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| Seal = Seal_of_Massachusetts.svg | | Seal = Seal_of_Massachusetts.svg | ||
| Map = Massachusetts in United States.svg | | Map = Massachusetts in United States.svg | ||
| Nickname =The Bay State,<ref name=mass>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/ma_intro.htm | contribution = Introduction to Massachusetts | title = 50 States | accessdate = November 3, 2012 | publisher = Net state }}</ref> The Old Colony State,<ref>{{Cite journal | contribution-url = http://www.britannica.com/ |
| Nickname =The Bay State,<ref name=mass>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/ma_intro.htm | contribution = Introduction to Massachusetts | title = 50 States | accessdate = November 3, 2012 | publisher = Net state }}</ref> The Old Colony State,<ref>{{Cite journal | contribution-url = http://www.britannica.com/EBcheck.americashealthrankings.org/yearcompare/2008/2009/MA.aspx}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> However, the study also pointed to several areas in which Massachusetts ranked below average, such as the state's rate of ], which was the 11th highest in the country.<ref name="AHR1" /> Massachusetts has the most doctors per 100,000 residents,<ref>{{cite web | title = Doctors per 100,000 Resident Population, 2007 | publisher=] | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/ranks/rank18.html}}</ref> the second-lowest ],<ref>{{cite web | title = Infant Mortality Rate, 2006 | publisher=] | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/ranks/rank17.html}}</ref> and the lowest percentage of uninsured residents (for both children as well as the total population).<ref>{{cite web | title = Persons With and Without Health Insurance Coverage by State: 2007 | publisher=] | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/tables/10s0150.pdf}}</ref> According to '']'', commonwealth residents have an average life expectancy of 78.4 years, the fifth longest in the country.<ref>{{cite web | title = U.S. States Ranked by Life Expectancy |work=Bloomberg Businessweek | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/sep2006/db20060913_099763.htm}}</ref> 37.2% of the population is overweight and 21.7% is obese,<ref name="CDC1">{{cite web | title = Overweight and Obesity (BMI) – 2007 | publisher=] | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/BRFSS/list.asp?cat=OB&yr=2007&qkey=4409&state=MA}}</ref> and Massachusetts ranks sixth highest in the percentage of residents who are considered neither obese nor overweight (41.1%).<ref name="CDC1" /> | ||
| Motto = ] ''(])''<br><small>By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty</small> | |||
| MottoEnglish = By the sword she seeks peace under liberty | |||
| Former = Province of Massachusetts Bay | |||
|StateAnthem = ] | |||
| Demonym = Bay Stater (official)<ref>{{cite web| title = Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 2, Section 35: Designation of citizens of commonwealth|url=http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/2-35.htm|publisher=The Commonwealth of Massachusetts| accessdate = February 29, 2008}}</ref> Massachusite (traditional)<ref>{{Cite journal | page = 435 | title = Collections | publisher = ] | place = Boston | year = 1877 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=rdbnCkXB2RwC }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book | last = Jones | first = Thomas | page = 465 | title = History of New York During the Revolutionary War | publisher = ] | editor-first = Edward Floyd | editor-last = DeLancey | place = New York | year = 1879 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=pbuXATAHXMEC }}</ref> Massachusettsian (archaic)<ref>].</ref> | |||
| Capital = ] | |||
| LargestCity = capital | |||
| LargestMetro = ] | |||
| Governor = ] (D) | |||
| Lieutenant Governor = Vacant | |||
| Legislature = ] | |||
| Upperhouse = ] | |||
| Lowerhouse = ] | |||
| Senators = ] (D)<br />] (D) | |||
| Representative=9 Democrats | |||
| PostalAbbreviation = MA | |||
| TradAbbreviation = Mass. | |||
| OfficialLang = None | |||
| AreaRank = 44th | |||
| TotalAreaUS = 10,555<ref name=2000census/><!--To nearest sqmi., from USCensus web page--> | |||
| TotalArea = 27,336 <!--conversion to nearest km²--> | |||
| LandAreaUS = 7,840 | |||
| LandArea = 20,306 | |||
| WaterAreaUS = 2,715 | |||
| WaterArea = 7,031 | |||
| PCWater = 25.7 <!--calculation: Water area over Total area--> | |||
| PopRank = 14th | |||
| 2010Pop = 6,646,144 (2012 est)<ref name=PopEstUS/> | |||
| DensityRank = 3rd | |||
| 2000DensityUS = 840 | |||
| 2000Density = 324 | |||
| MedianHouseholdIncome = $65,401 (2008) | |||
| IncomeRank = 6th | | |||
| AdmittanceOrder = 6th | |||
| AdmittanceDate = February 6, 1788 | |||
| TimeZone = ]: ] ]/] | |||
| Latitude = 41° 14′ N to 42° 53′ N | |||
| Longitude = 69° 56′ W to 73° 30′ W | |||
| LengthUS = 113 | |||
| Length = 182 | |||
| WidthUS = 183 | |||
| Width = 295 | |||
| HighestPoint = ]<ref>{{cite ngs|name=Greylock RM 1 Reset|id=MZ1957}}</ref><ref name=USGS>{{cite web|url = http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html|title=Elevations and Distances in the United States|publisher= ]|year= 2001|accessdate= October 21, 2011}}</ref><ref name=NAVD88>Elevation adjusted to ].</ref> | |||
| HighestElevUS = 3,489 | |||
| HighestElev = 1063.4 | |||
| MeanElevUS = 500 | |||
| MeanElev = 150 | |||
| LowestPoint = Atlantic Ocean<ref name=USGS/> | |||
| LowestElevUS = 0 | |||
| LowestElev = 0 | |||
| ISOCode = US-MA | |||
| Website = http://www.mass.gov/}} | |||
{{Infobox U.S. state symbols | |||
|Name = Massachusetts | |||
|Bird = ], ] | |||
|Fish = ] | |||
|Flower = ] | |||
|Insect = ] | |||
|Mammal = ], ], ], ] | |||
|Reptile = ] | |||
|Tree = ] | |||
|Beverage = ] | |||
|Colors = Blue, Green, Cranberry | |||
|Dance = ] | |||
|Food = ], Corn ], ], ], ], ] | |||
|Fossil = ] | |||
|Gemstone = ] | |||
|Mineral = ] | |||
|Poem = | |||
|StateRock = ] | |||
|Shell = ], ''Neptunea lyrata decemcostata'' | |||
|Ships = '']'' | |||
|Slogan = ''Make It Yours'',<br />''The Spirit of America'' | |||
|Soil = ] | |||
|Song = '']'' | |||
|Sport = Basketball<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/08/09/can_you_guess_the_state_sport_of_massachusetts/ |title=Can you guess the state sport of Massachusetts? | first =Michael | last = Levenson |date=August 9, 2006 |work=Boston Globe |accessdate=February 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
|Route Marker = MA Route 24.svg | |||
|Quarter = 2000 MA Proof.png | |||
|QuarterReleaseDate = 2000}} | |||
'''Massachusetts''' {{IPAc-en|audio=en-us-Massachusetts.ogg|ˌ|m|æ|s|ə|ˈ|tʃ|uː|s|ɨ|t|s}}, officially the '''Commonwealth of Massachusetts''', is a state in the ] region of the ] ]. It is bordered by ] and ] to the south, New York to the west, and ] and ] to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. Massachusetts is the ], but the ] and the ] of the ]. Massachusetts features two separate metropolitan areas: ] in the east and the ] in the west. Approximately two-thirds of Massachusetts' population lives in Greater Boston. Generally the Greater Boston boundary is regarded as the Atlantic Ocean to the east and areas just north, west and south of ] to the west, north and south. ] features one urban area - the ] along the ] - and a mix of ] and rural areas. Many of Massachusetts' towns, cities, and counties ]. Massachusetts is the most populous of the six New England states and has the nation's sixth highest ] | |||
The nation's first ] was erected by federal order in Boston in 1799.<ref name="jama-marinehosp">{{cite journal|title=The United States Public Health and Marine-Hospital Service|journal=Journal of the American Medical Association|date=July 30, 1904|volume=43|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=FlXlAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA326|accessdate=February 20, 2011|author1=Association|first1=American Medical|last2=Press|first2=Highwire}}</ref><ref name="chelsea-marine">{{cite web|title=U.S. Marine Hospital|url=http://www.olgp.net/chs/hospital/marine.htm|publisher=Chelsea Historical Society|accessdate=February 20, 2011}}</ref> The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine lists a total of 132 hospitals in the state.<ref>{{cite web | title = Massachusetts Area Hospitals | publisher=Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.massmedboard.org/links/hospital_list.shtm}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> According to rankings by '']'', ] in Boston is the top ranked overall hospital in the nation;<ref>{{cite web | title = Best Hospitals 2012–13: The Honor Roll |work=] | accessdate =June 27, 2013 | url = http://health.usnews.com/health-news/best-hospitals/articles/2012/07/16/best-hospitals-2012-13-the-honor-roll}}</ref> the hospital also ranked in the top ten in fifteen specialties.<ref>{{cite web | title = Massachusetts General Hospital |work=] | accessdate =June 27, 2013 | url = http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/ma/massachusetts-general-hospital-6140430}}</ref> Massachusetts General was founded in 1811 and serves as the largest teaching hospital for nearby ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Hospital Overview | publisher=] | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.massgeneral.org/about/overview.aspx}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts has played a significant historical, cultural, and commercial role in ]. ] was the site of the colony founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims, passengers of the '']''. ], founded in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. In 1692, the town of ] and surrounding areas experienced one of America's most infamous cases of mass hysteria, the ]. In the 18th century, the Protestant ], which swept the Atlantic world, originated from the pulpit of ] preacher ]. In the late 18th century, Boston became known as the "Cradle of Liberty" for the agitation there that led to the ] and the independence of the United States from ]. In 1777, General ] founded the ], which during the ] catalyzed numerous important technological advances, including ]. In 1786, ], a populist revolt led by disaffected Revolutionary War veterans, led directly to the ]. | |||
Other teaching and medical institutions affiliated with Harvard include ], ] and ], among others.<ref>{{cite web | title = Facts and Figures: 2009–2010 | publisher=] | accessdate =October 25, 2010 | url = http://hms.harvard.edu/hms/facts.asp}}</ref> Boston is also the location of ], ] and ], the latter of which is the primary teaching hospital for ].<ref>{{cite web | title = About Us | publisher=] | accessdate =October 25, 2010 | url = http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/BUSM-About.html}}</ref> The ] is located in ].<ref>{{cite web | title = An Introduction to UMass Medical School | publisher=] | accessdate =October 25, 2010 | url = http://www.umassmed.edu/about/index.aspx}}</ref> The ] has campuses in both Boston and Worcester.<ref>{{cite web | title = About us | publisher=The ] | url = http://www.mcphs.edu/about_mcphs/}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> | |||
Before the ], Massachusetts was a center for the ], ], and ] movements. In 1837, ], the United States' first college for women, was opened in the ] town of ]. In the late 19th century, the (now) Olympic sports of basketball and volleyball were invented in the Western Massachusetts cities of ] and ], respectively. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legally recognize ] as a result of the decision of the state's Supreme Judicial Court. Massachusetts has contributed many prominent politicians to national service, including members of the ] and of the ]. | |||
==Sports and recreation== | |||
Originally dependent on fishing, agriculture, and trade, Massachusetts was transformed into a manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution. During the 20th century, Massachusetts' economy shifted from manufacturing to services. In the 21st century, Massachusetts is a leader in higher education, health care technology, high technology, and ]. | |||
===Organized sports=== | |||
==Name== | |||
] in Boston is home to the ] of the ] and the ] of the ].]] | |||
] | |||
The Olympic sports of basketball and volleyball were invented in Western Massachusetts (in Springfield at Springfield College and Holyoke, respectively). The ], a shrine to the sport's history, is a major tourist destination in the City of Springfield. The ] is located in Holyoke.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1202148|title=Volleyball pushed as official team sport of Mass |work=] |date=October 4, 2009 |accessdate=October 18, 2009}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> | |||
The ] was named after the indigenous population, the ], whose name can be segmented as ''mass-adchu-s-et'', where ''mass-'' is "large", ''-adchu-'' is "hill", ''-s-'' is a ] suffix meaning "small", and ''-et'' is a ] suffix, identifying a place. It has been translated as "near the great hill",<ref>{{Cite book | first = William Wallace | last = Tooker | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=U5cqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA175 | title = Algonquian Names of some Mountains and Hills | year = 1904}}</ref> "by the blue hills", "at the little big hill", or "at the range of hills", referring to the ], or in particular, ], located on the boundary of ] and ].<ref name="Camp">Salwen, Bert, 1978. ''Indians of Southern New England and Long Island: Early Period''. In "Northeast", ed. Bruce G. Trigger. Vol. 15 of "Handbook of North American Indians", ed. William C. Sturtevant, pp. 160–76. Washington DC: Smithsonian Institution. Quoted in: Campbell, Lyle. 1997. ''American Indian Languages: The Historical Linguistics of Native America''. Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 401</ref><ref>Bright, William (2004). ''Native American Place Names of the United States''. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, p. 270</ref> Alternatively, Massachusett has been represented as ''Moswetuset'', from the name of the ] (meaning "hill shaped like an arrowhead") in ] where ] commander ] and ], a ], met Chief Chickatawbut in 1621.<ref name="tcpl-hummock">{{cite web|url=http://thomascranelibrary.org/htm/436.htm|title=East Squantum Street (Moswetuset Hummock)|year=1986|work = Quincy, Mass. Historical and Architectural Survey|publisher= ]|accessdate= June 24, 2009}}</ref><ref name="neal-history-of-ne">{{cite book|last=Neal|first= Daniel|title= The history of New-England|publisher= A. Ward| location = London | year= 1747|edition=2|volume=2|page=216|chapter=XIV: The Present State of New England|oclc=8616817|url = http://books.google.com/?id=u3opAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA216 |accessdate=June 24, 2009}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts has a long history with amateur athletics and professional teams. Most of the major professional teams have won multiple championships in their respective leagues. Massachusetts teams have won six ]s (]),<ref>{{cite web | title = Stanley Cup Winners | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SilverwareTrophyWinners.jsp?tro=STC}}</ref> seventeen ] (]),<ref>{{cite web | title = Celtics History — Championship Wins | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://www.nba.com/celtics/history/ChampionshipWins.html}}</ref> three ]s (]),<ref>{{cite web | title = Super Bowl History | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history}}</ref> and nine ] (eight for the ], one for the ]).<ref>{{cite web | title = MLB World Series Winners | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://espn.go.com/mlb/worldseries/history/winners}}</ref> The ], (AHL,) the NHL's development league, is headquartered in Springfield. Other professional sports teams in Massachusetts include the ] AHL team, the ] AHL team, and the ] ] team. | |||
The official name of the state is the "] of Massachusetts".<ref>{{cite web | title = Part One: Concise Facts – Name | publisher=Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts | accessdate =May 22, 2010 | url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cismaf/mf1a.htm}}</ref> Colloquially, it is often referred to simply as "the Commonwealth". While this designation is part of the state's official name, it has no practical implications. Massachusetts has the same position and powers within the United States as other states.<ref>{{cite web | title = Kentucky as a Commonwealth | publisher=Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives | accessdate =May 22, 2010 | url = http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYCommonwealth.htm}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts is also the home of the ], rowing events such as the ] on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester and the ],<ref>{{cite web | title = Cornell Rowing Excels at Eastern Sprints | publisher=Cornell University | accessdate =June 6, 2010 | url = http://cornellbigred.com/news/2010/5/16/MROW_0516105419.aspx}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = History of the Head of the Charles Regatta | publisher=Head of the Charles Regatta | accessdate =June 6, 2010 | url = http://www.hocr.org/about/history.asp}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite web | title = 114th Boston Maraton | publisher=Boston Athletic Association | accessdate =June 6, 2010 | url = http://www.bostonmarathon.org/bostonmarathon/114thmarathon.asp}}</ref> A number of major golf events have taken place in Massachusetts, including nine ] and two ]s, among others.<ref>{{cite web | title = 2009 U.S. Open — Past Champions | publisher=] | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://usga.usopen.com/2009/history/past-champions.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Past Results | publisher=] | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://www.rydercup.com/2010/usa/history/past_results.html}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Deutsche Bank Championship | publisher=] | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r505/}}</ref> The ] is the ] team in Massachusetts,<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Information | publisher=] | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://www.gillettestadium.com/stadium_information/}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> and the ] are the ] team.<ref>{{cite web | title = MLL Standings | publisher=] | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://mll-boston.stats.pointstreak.com/standings.html?leagueid=323&seasonid=3806}}</ref> The ] are the ] in Massachusetts. | |||
==Geography== | |||
{{Main|Geography of Massachusetts|Geology of New England}} | |||
] in ]]] | |||
A gymnastics center called Brestyan's American Gymnastics has also become well known in the competitive gymnastics world{{by whom|date=August 2012}} in the last decade for producing several internationally successful gymnasts like Olympic silver medalist and vault world champion ], 2011 world champion and two time Olympic Gold medalist ], and Canadian national team member ]. | |||
Massachusetts is the ] state in the United States. It is located in the ] region of the northeastern United States, and has an area of {{convert|10555|sqmi|km2}}.<ref name="2000census">{{cite web | url = http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/GCTTable?_bm=n&_lang=en&mt_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_GCTPH1R_US9S&format=US-9S&_box_head_nbr=GCT-PH1-R&ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&geo_id=01000US | title = Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density (geographically ranked by total population): 2000 | publisher=United States Census Bureau | accessdate =May 30, 2010}}</ref> Several large ] distinctly shape its coast. Boston is the largest city, at the inmost point of ], and the mouth of the ]. | |||
Several universities in Massachusetts are notable for their collegiate athletics. ] fields teams in the nationally televised ], while ] competes in the famed ]. ], ], ], ], and ] also participate in Division I athletics.<ref>{{cite web | title = College Football Teams (FBS and FCS) | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://espn.go.com/college-football/teams}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = College Basketball Teams — Division I Teams | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/teams}}</ref> Many other Massachusetts colleges compete in lower divisions such as ], where ], ], ], ], and others field competitive teams. | |||
Despite its small size, Massachusetts features numerous distinctive regions: in the west, the rolling ] surround the fertile ], (the latter of which contains ]) in central Massachusetts, rural hill-towns surround ]; while the east encompasses the urban environs of ], the sandy beaches of ], and the rocky shorelines of the northern coast. | |||
===Outdoor recreation=== | |||
The ] administers a number of natural and historical ].<ref name="NPS1">{{cite web | title = Massachusetts | publisher=] | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.nps.gov/state/MA/}}</ref> Along with twelve national historic sites, areas, and corridors, the National Park Service also manages the ] and the ].<ref name="NPS1" /> In addition, the ] maintains a number of parks, trails, and beaches throughout Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web | title = Massachusetts State Parks | publisher=] | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dcr/listing.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Trail Maps | publisher=] | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Getting Wet! | publisher=] | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/swimming.htm}}</ref> | |||
Long-distance hiking trails in Massachusetts include the ], the ], the ], the ], and the Bay Circuit Trail.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/greenway/traillinks.htm | title = Greenways ng the ], privateering resumed. The ] left a significant mark in two historic districts, ], part of the ] Historic District containing 407 buildings, and the ], consisting of 12 historic structures and about 9 acres (36,000 m2) of land along the waterfront in Salem. ] was among the wealthiest and most celebrated of post-Revolutionary merchants in Salem, and owner of the Grand Turk, the first New England vessel to trade directly with China. | |||
===Ecology=== | |||
The primary ] of inland Massachusetts is ].<ref>{{cite web | title = A Short Introduction to Terrestrial Biomes | publisher= Nearctica | accessdate =October 17, 2009 | url = http://www.nearctica.com/ecology/habitats/biointro.htm}}{{dead link |date=August 2012}}</ref> Although much | |||
of Massachusetts had been cleared for agriculture, leaving only traces of ] in isolated pockets, | |||
secondary growth has regenerated in many rural areas as farms have been abandoned.<ref>{{Cite news | last = Stocker | first = Carol | title = Old growth, grand specimens drive big-tree hunters | url = http://www.boston.com/yourlife/home/articles/2005/11/17/old_growth_grand_specimens_drive_big_tree_hunters/ | newspaper = ] | date = November 17, 2005 | accessdate = October 17, 2009 }}</ref> Currently, forests cover around 62% of Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web | title = Current Research — Working Landscapes | publisher=The Center for Rural Massachusetts — The ] | accessdate =March 19, 2009 | url= http://www.umass.edu/ruralmass/currentresearch.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Massachusetts Forests | publisher=MassWoods Forest Conservation Program — The ] | accessdate =March 19, 2009 | url = http://www.masswoods.net/index.php/forests}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> The areas most affected by human development include the Greater Boston area in the east and the Springfield metropolitan area in the west, although the latter includes agricultural areas throughout the Connecticut River Valley.<ref>{{cite web | title = Northeastern Coastal Zone — Ecoregion Description | publisher=] | accessdate =October 17, 2009 | url = http://landcovertrends.usgs.gov/east/eco59Report.html}}</ref> Animals that have become locally extinct over the past few centuries include the ], ], ], and ].<ref name="mammallist">{{cite web | title = State Mammal List | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =October 17, 2009 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/facts/mammals/mammal_list.htm}}</ref> | |||
]]] | |||
A number of species are doing well despite (and in some cases because of) the increased urbanization of Massachusetts. ] utilize office towers in larger cities as nesting areas,<ref>{{cite web | title = Peregrine Falcon | publisher= Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | format = PDF | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/nhfacts/falco_peregrinus.pdf}}</ref> and the population of ], whose diet may include garbage and roadkill, has been increasing in recent decades.<ref>{{cite web | title = Eastern Coyote in Massachusetts | publisher =Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_coyotes.htm}}</ref> ], ]s, ]s and ]s are also found throughout Massachusetts.<ref name="mammallist" /><ref>{{cite web | title = Wild Turkey in Massachusetts | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | format = PDF | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/pdf/living%20_with_turkeys.pdf}}</ref> In more rural areas in the western part of Massachusetts, larger mammals such as ] and ] have returned, largely due to reforestation following the regional decline in agriculture.<ref>{{cite web | title = Moose in Massachusetts | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_moose.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Black Bears in Massachusetts | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_bears.htm}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts is located along the ], a major route for migratory waterfowl along the Atlantic coast.<ref>{{cite web | title = Atlantic Flyway | publisher=University of Nebraska | accessdate =May 22, 2010 | url = http://www.unl.edu/nac/atlas/Map_Html/Biodiversity/National/Atlantic_flyway/Atlantic_Flyway.htm}}</ref> Lakes in central Massachusetts provide habitat for the ], especially ],<ref>{{cite web | title = Common Loon | publisher = Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 28, 2010 | format = PDF | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/nhfacts/gavia_immer.pdf}}</ref> while a significant population of ] winter off ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Telemetry Research:Long-Tailed Ducks | publisher= Mass Audubon | accessdate =May 28, 2010 | url = http://www.massaudubon.org/Conservation_Science/Tracking/LTDUresearch.php}}</ref> Small offshore islands and beaches are home to ]s and are important breeding areas for the locally threatened ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Roseate Tern | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 28, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/nhfacts/roseate_tern.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Coastal Waterbird Program | publisher= Mass Audubon | accessdate = May 28, 2010 | url = http://www.massaudubon.org/cwp/}}</ref> Protected areas such as the ] provide critical breeding habitat for shorebirds and a variety of marine wildlife including a large population of ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge – Wildlife and Habitat | publisher = ] | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.fws.gov/northeast/monomoy/wildlife.html}}</ref> | |||
Freshwater fish species in Massachusetts include ], ], ], and ],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/fishing/best_bets/best_bets_home.htm | title = Best Bets for Fishing | publisher = Massachusetts Division of Wildlife & Fisheries | accessdate =May 30, 2010}}</ref> while saltwater species such as ], ] and ] populate offshore waters.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/recreationalfishing/species.htm | title = Species Profiles | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries | accessdate =May 30, 2010}}</ref> Other marine species include ], the endangered ]s, as well as ], ]s, ] and ].<ref name="mammallist" /> | |||
==History== | |||
{{Main|History of Massachusetts}} | |||
] ''in Plymouth Harbor'' by ] (1882). The ] were a group of ] who founded ] in 1620.]] | |||
===Early=== | |||
Massachusetts was originally inhabited by tribes of the ] such as the ], ], ], ], ], and ].{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 6–7}}<ref name="Mohican">{{cite web | title = Origin & Early Mohican History | publisher=Stockbridge-Munsee Community — Band of Mohican Indians | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://mohican-nsn.gov/Departments/Library-Museum/Mohican_History/origin-and-early.htm}}</ref> While cultivation of crops like ] and ] supplemented their diets, these tribes were generally dependent on hunting, gathering and fishing for most of their food supply.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 6–7}} Villages consisted of lodges called ] as well as ]s,<ref name="Mohican" /> and tribes were led by male or female elders known as ]s.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 7}} | |||
===Colonial period (1620–1780)=== | |||
In the early 1600s (after contact had been made with Europeans, but before permanent settlements were established), large numbers of the ] in the northeast of what is now the United States were killed by ] such as ], ], ], and perhaps ].<ref name="hoxie-164">{{cite book|last=Hoxie|first=Frederick E |title = Encyclopedia of North American Indians|publisher= Houghton Mifflin Harcourt|year= 1996|location= Boston|page= 164|isbn= 978-0-395-66921-1 | oclc= 34669430|url= http://books.google.com/?id=o-BNU7QuJkYC&pg=PA164|accessdate= July 30, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.3201/e0di1602.090276 | last1 = Marr | first1 = JS | last2 = Cathey | first2 = JT | title = New hypothesis for cause of an epidemic among Native Americans, New England, 1616–1619 | journal = Emerging Infectious Disease | year = 2010 | month = Feb }}</ref> In 1617–19, smallpox reportedly killed 90% of the ] ].{{Sfn | Koplow| 2004|p = 13}} | |||
The first English settlers in Massachusetts, the ], established their settlement at ] in 1620, and developed friendly relations with the native ].{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|pp = 29–30}} This was the second successful permanent English colony in North America, after the ]. The Pilgrims were soon followed by other ]s, who established the ] at present-day Boston in 1630.{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 30}} | |||
The Puritans, who believed the ] was too hierarchical (among other disagreements), came to Massachusetts for religious freedom,{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 29}} although, unlike the Plymouth colony, the bay colony was founded under a royal charter. Both religious dissent and expansionism resulted in several new colonies being founded shortly after Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay elsewhere in New England. Dissenters such as ] and ] were banished due to religious disagreements; (Hutchinson held meetings in her home discussing flaws in the Puritan beliefs, while Williams believed that the Puritan beliefs were wrong, and the Indians must be respected.) In 1636, Williams founded the colony of ] and Hutchinson joined him there several years later.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 30–32}} | |||
In 1641, Massachusetts expanded inland significantly, acquiring the ] settlement of ], which had recently disputed with, and defected from its original administrators, the ]. This established Massachusetts' southern border in the west. <ref>. Bio.umass.edu. Retrieved on September 7, 2013.</ref> | |||
In 1691, the colonies of Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth were united (along with present-day ], which had previously been divided between Massachusetts and ]) into the ].{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 66}} Shortly after the arrival of the new province's first governor, Sir ], the ] took place, in which a number of men and women were hanged.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 50}} | |||
During the ], ], became a center for ]ing. Although the documentation is incomplete, about 1,700 ], issued on a per-voyage basis, were granted during the American Revolution. Nearly 800 vessels were commissioned as privateers and are credited with capturing or destroying about 600 British ships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/revwar/about_the_revolution/privateers.html|title=John Fraylor. Salem Maritime National Historic Park|publisher=Nps.gov|accessdate=September 3, 2012}}</ref> During the ], privateering resumed. The ] left a significant mark in two historic districts, ], part of the ] Historic District containing 407 buildings, and the ], consisting of 12 historic structures and about 9 acres (36,000 m2) of land along the waterfront in Salem. ] was among the wealthiest and most celebrated of post-Revolutionary merchants in Salem, and owner of the Grand Turk, the first New England vessel to trade directly with China. | |||
The ] yet known in ] occurred in 1755, causing considerable damage across Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite journal | publisher = USGS | title = Historic Earthquakes | contribution = The Great Earthquake of 1755 | url = http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/events/1755_11_18_hs.php | accessdate = February 7, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Memorandum | newspaper = ] | date = November 24, 1755 | page = 1 }}</ref> | The ] yet known in ] occurred in 1755, causing considerable damage across Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite journal | publisher = USGS | title = Historic Earthquakes | contribution = The Great Earthquake of 1755 | url = http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/events/1755_11_18_hs.php | accessdate = February 7, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Memorandum | newspaper = ] | date = November 24, 1755 | page = 1 }}</ref> | ||
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In the years leading up to the ], Massachusetts was a center of ] and ] activity. ] made the state system of schools the national model.{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 251}} ] and ] made major contributions to American thought.{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 254}} Members of the ], they emphasized the importance of the natural world and emotion to humanity.{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 254}} | In the years leading up to the ], Massachusetts was a center of ] and ] activity. ] made the state system of schools the national model.{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 251}} ] and ] made major contributions to American thought.{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 254}} Members of the ], they emphasized the importance of the natural world and emotion to humanity.{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 254}} | ||
Although significant opposition to abolitionism existed early on in Massachusetts, resulting in anti-abolitionist riots between 1835 and 1837,{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 185}} opposition to slavery gradually increased in the next few decades.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 183}}{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 187–93}} Abolitionists ] and ] lived in Springfield and Northampton, respectively, while ] lived in Boston. The works of such abolitionists contributed to Massachusetts' actions during the Civil War. Massachusetts was the first state to recruit, train, and arm a ] regiment with ] |
Although significant opposition to abolitionism existed early on in Massachusetts, resulting in anti-abolitionist riots between 1835 and 1837,{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 185}} opposition to slavery gradually increased in the next few decades.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 183}}{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 187–93}} Abolitionists ] and ] lived in Springfield and Northampton, respectively, while ] lived in Boston. The works of such abolitionists contributed to Massachusetts' actions during the Civil War. Massachusetts was the first state to recruit, train, and arm a ] regiment with ] ofground:#f0f0ff;" |] | ||
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;" |28% ''718,107'' | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |'''62%''' ''1,571,763'' | |||
|- | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |] | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;" |29% ''805,049'' | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |'''48%''' ''1,318,662'' | |||
|- | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |] | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;" |46% ''1,194,635'' | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |'''53%''' ''1,401,416'' | |||
|} | |||
Throughout the mid 20th century, Massachusetts has gradually shifted from a ]-leaning state to one largely dominated by ]; the ] of ] over incumbent Senator ] is seen as a watershed moment in this transformation. His younger brother ] held that seat until his death from a brain tumor in 2009.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 310}} Massachusetts has since gained a reputation as being a politically liberal state and is often used as an archetype of ], hence the usage of the phrase "]".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-07-25-mass-liberal_x.htm|title= Does 'Massachusetts liberal' label still matter?| first1 =Susan | last1 = Page | first2 = Jill | last2 = Lawrence|work= USA Today|date= July 11, 2004|accessdate = October 17, 2009}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts routinely votes for the Democratic Party, with the core concentrations in the Boston meand Trails | publisher=Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation | accessdate =June 5, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/wherewework/southernnewengland/index.cfm | title = Southern New England | publisher=] | accessdate =June 2, 2010}}</ref> Other outdoor recreational activities in Massachusetts include sailing and yachting, freshwater and deep-sea fishing,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.massvacation.com/outdoor/fishing.php | title = Fishing & charters | publisher=Massachusetts Department of Tourism | accessdate =June 5, 2010}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.massvacation.com/outdoor/whale-watching.php | title = Whale watching | publisher=Massachusetts Department of Tourism | accessdate =June 5, 2010}}</ref> downhill and cross-country skiing,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.massvacation.com/outdoor/skiing-snowboarding.php | title = Skiing/snowboarding | publisher=Massachusetts Department of Tourism | accessdate =June 5, 2010}}</ref> anded/topic/368402/Massachusetts | contribution = Massachusetts (state, United States) | title = ] | edition = online }}</ref> The Codfish State<ref>{{Cite news | url = http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1499&dat=19361018&id=A65QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ASIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7015,741245 | title = A Colorful Battle Is Lodge vs. Curley | newspaper = The Milwaukee Journal | date = October 18, 1936 | accessdate = November 3, 2012 | quote = One of the Codfish State... }}</ref> | |||
| Motto = ] ''(])''<br><small>By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty</small> | |||
| MottoEnglish = By the sword she seeks peace under liberty | |||
| Former = Province of Massachusetts Bay | |||
|StateAnthem = ]ficers, the ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment | publisher=] | accessdate =October 19, 2009 | url = http://www.nps.gov/boaf/historyculture/shaw.htm}}</ref> The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial in ] contains a relief depicting the 54th regiment.<ref>{{cite web | title = Augustus Saint-Gaudens | publisher=] | accessdate = October 19, 2009 | url = http://www.nga.gov/education/schoolarts/gaudens.htm}}</ref> | |||
===20th century=== | ===20th century=== | ||
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|1960= 5148578 | |1960= 5148578 | ||
|1970= 5689170 | |1970= 5689170 | ||
|1980= 5737037pansive sense includes New England's two largest cities, Boston and ]. The state's only other metropolitan area is the ], also known as Greater Springfield. Centered in the ], Greater Springfield includes the revitalizing city of ], and an eclectic array of ], (e.g. ] and ]) and rural areas to the north and west. Geographically, the ] of Massachusetts is located in the town of ].<ref>{{Cite journal | format = plain text | url = http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt | title = Population and Population Centers by State: 2000 | location = United States | publisher = Census Bureau, Deparatment of Commerce | accessdate = January 14, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
|1980= 5737037 | |||
|1990= 6016425 | |||
|2000= 6349097 | |||
|2010= 6547629 | |||
|estimate= 6646144 | |||
|estyear= 2012 | |||
|footnote=<ref name="PopEstUS"/><ref>{{Cite journal|place=US|url=http://www.census.gov/population/censusdata/table-16.pdf|title=Population: 1790 to 1990|publisher=census}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/tab02.txt|title=Resident Population of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico|publisher=Census|year=2000|place=US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/|title=2010 Data|publisher=Census|location=US|accessdate=February 1, 2011}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
The ] estimates that the population of Massachusetts was 6,646,144 on July 1, 2012, a 1.5% increase since the ].<ref name="PopEstUS">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/popest/data/state/totals/2012/tables/NST-EST2012-01.csv|title=Annual Estimates of the Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012|format=]|work=2012 Population Estimates|publisher=], Population Division|date=December 2012|accessdate=December 22, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts had an estimated 2012 population of 6,646,144.<ref name="PopEstUS" /> As of 2000, Massachusetts was estimated to be the ] most densely populated U.S. state, with 809.8 people per square mile, behind ] and ].<ref name="2000census" /> Massachusetts in 2008 included 919,771 foreign-born residents. | |||
Most Bay Staters live within the Boston Metropolitan Area, also known as ], which in its most expansive sense includes New England's two largest cities, Boston and ]. The state's only other metropolitan area is the ], also known as Greater Springfield. Centered in the ], Greater Springfield includes the revitalizing city of ], and an eclectic array of ], (e.g. ] and ]) and rural areas to the north and west. Geographically, the ] of Massachusetts is located in the town of ].<ref>{{Cite journal | format = plain text | url = http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt | title = Population and Population Centers by State: 2000 | location = United States | publisher = Census Bureau, Deparatment of Commerce | accessdate = January 14, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
Like the rest of the northeastern United States, the population of Massachusetts has continued to grow in the past few decades, although at a slower pace than states in the ] or ].<ref name="GlobeDemographics1">{{Cite news | last = Mishra | first = Raja | title = State's population growth on stagnant course | url = http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/12/22/states_population_growth_on_stagnant_course/ | newspaper = ] | date = December 22, 2006 | accessdate = June 5, 2010 }}</ref> The latest census estimates show that Massachusetts's population grew by 3.9% since 2000, compared with nearly 10% nationwide. In their decisions to leave Massachusetts, most former residents cited high housing costs and a high cost of living.<ref>{{Cite news | url = http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1840140755/Experts-say-housing-costs-schools-key-to-job-creation-in-Massachusetts | title = Experts say housing costs, schools key to job creation in Massachusetts | place = Framingham, MA | newspaper = The MetroWest Daily News }}</ref> Another factor has been the transformation from a manufacturing economy into one based on high technology, leaving limited employment options for lower-skilled workers, particularly males.<ref name="GlobeDemographics2">{{Cite news | last = Levenson | first = Michael | title = Bay state's labor force diminishing | url = http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2006/12/10/bay_states_labor_force_diminishing/ | newspaper = ] | date = December 10, 2006 | accessdate = June 5, 2010 }}</ref> | Like the rest of the northeastern United States, the population of Massachusetts has continued to grow in the past few decades, although at a slower pace than states in the ] or ].<ref name="GlobeDemographics1">{{Cite news | last = Mishra | first = Raja | title = State's population growth on stagnant course | url = http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/12/22/states_population_growth_on_stagnant_course/ | newspaper = ] | date = December 22, 2006 | accessdate = June 5, 2010 }}</ref> The latest census estimates show that Massachusetts's population grew by 3.9% since 2000, compared with nearly 10% nationwide. In their decisions to leave Massachusetts, most former residents cited high housing costs and a high cost of living.<ref>{{Cite news | url = http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1840140755/Experts-say-housing-costs-schools-key-to-job-creation-in-Massachusetts | title = Experts say housing costs, schools key to job creation in Massachusetts | place = Framingham, MA | newspaper = The MetroWest Daily News }}</ref> Another factor has been the transformation from a manufacturing economy into one based on high technology, leaving limited employment options for lower-skilled workers, particularly males.<ref name="GlobeDemographics2">{{Cite news | last = Levenson | first = Michael | title = Bay state's labor force diminishing | url = http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2006/12/10/bay_states_labor_force_diminishing/ | newspaper = ] | date = December 10, 2006 | accessdate = June 5, 2010 }}</ref> | ||
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The state's most populous ethnic group, non-Hispanic white, has declined from 95.4% in 1970 to 75.8% in 2012.<ref name="census">{{cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/25000.html |title=Massachusetts QuickFacts | location =US | publisher = Census Bureau}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title= Massachusetts – Race and Hispanic Origin: 1790 to 1990| location = US | publisher = Census Bureau | url =http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html}}</ref> As of 2011, non-Hispanic whites were involved in 63.6% of all the births.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.cleveland.com/datacentral/index.ssf/2012/06/americas_under_age_1_populatio.html |title= Americans under age 1 now mostly minorities, but not in Ohio: Statistical Snapshot|last=Exner|first=Rich|date=June 3, 2012|work=]}}</ref> | The state's most populous ethnic group, non-Hispanic white, has declined from 95.4% in 1970 to 75.8% in 2012.<ref name="census">{{cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/25000.html |title=Massachusetts QuickFacts | location =US | publisher = Census Bureau}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title= Massachusetts – Race and Hispanic Origin: 1790 to 1990| location = US | publisher = Census Bureau | url =http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html}}</ref> As of 2011, non-Hispanic whites were involved in 63.6% of all the births.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.cleveland.com/datacentral/index.ssf/2012/06/americas_under_age_1_populatio.html |title= Americans under age 1 now mostly minorities, but not in Ohio: Statistical Snapshot|last=Exner|first=Rich|date=June 3, 2012|work=]}}</ref> | ||
As late as 1795, the population of Massachusetts was nearly 95% of English ancestry.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 173}} During the early and mid 19th century, immigrant groups began arriving to Massachusetts in large numbers; first from Ireland in the 1840s;{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 173–79}} today the Irish and part-Irish are the largest ancestry group in the state at nearly 25% of the total population. |
As late as 1795, the population of Massachusetts was nearly 95% of English ancestry.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 173}} During the early and mid 19th century, immigrant groups began arriving to Massachusetts in large numbers; first from Ireland in the 1840s;{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 173–79}} today the Irish and part-Irish are the largest ancestry group in the state at nearly 25% of the total population. Othe | ||
{{further2|]}} | |||
===Road=== | |||
Massachusetts also has a relatively large population of ] descent. Many of the earliest Portuguese-speaking immigrants came from the ] in the 19th century to work in the whaling industry in cities like ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/portam/bedford.html | title = Whaling Industry and Portuguese Immigration Centered in New Bedford, Mass | publisher=Library of Congress | accessdate =June 1, 2010}}</ref>{{Sfn | Brettell| 2003|pp = xii–xiv}} Later, further waves of Portuguese arrived, this time often finding work in the textile mills.{{Sfn | Brettell| 2003|pp = xii–xiv}} ] is home to the second-largest ] community in the nation.<ref>{{Cite news | last = Schweitzer | first = Sarah | title = Lowell hopes to put 'Little Cambodia' on the map | url = http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/15/lowell_hopes_to_put_little_cambodia_on_the_map/ | newspaper = ] | date = February 15, 2010 | accessdate = May 31, 2010 }}</ref> The ] tribe maintains reservations at ] on Martha's Vineyard, at ], and at ] on Cape Cod,<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | url = http://wbztv.com/topstories/local_story_046132927.html | title = Wampanoag Tribe Receives Federal Recognition | newspaper = WBZ-TV | place = Boston, MA | accessdate = February 20, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | last = Weber | first = David | url = http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/02/15/mashpee_wampanoag_indians_receive_federal_recognition/ | title = Mashpee Wampanoag Indians receive federal recognition | newspaper = The Boston Globe | date = February 15, 2007 | accessdate = February 20, 2007 }}</ref> while the ] maintain two state-recognized reservations in the central part of the state. While Massachusetts had avoided many of the more violent forms of racial strife seen elsewhere in the US, examples such as the successful electoral showings of the ] (mainly ]) ]s in the 1850s,{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 180–82}} the controversial ] executions in the 1920s,{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 257–58}} and Boston's opposition to desegregation busing in the 1970s{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 300–4}} show that the ethnic history of Massachusetts was not completely harmonious. | |||
There are a total of {{convert|31300|mi|km}} of ] and highways in Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciswel/weltomas.htm#trans | title = Transportation | publisher=Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts | accessdate =May 31, 2010}}</ref> ], also known as the ], is the longest interstate in Massachusetts. The route runs {{convert|136|mi|km|abbr=on}} generally west to east from the New York state line near the town of ] and passes just north of ], just south of ] and through ] before terminating near Logan International Airport in Boston. Other major interstates include ], which runs generally north and south along the ], ], which runs north and south through central Boston, then passes ] before entering New Hampshire. ], which follows most of the US Atlantic coastline, connects ] with Greater Boston, forming a loop around the more urbanized areas (for some distance cosigned with ]) before continuing north along the coast. | |||
] forms a wide loop around the outer edge of Greater Boston. Other major interstates in Massachusetts include ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Major non-interstate highways in Massachusetts include ] ], ], ], and ], and state routes ], ], ] and 128. A great majority of interstates in Massachusetts were constructed during the mid 20th century, and at times were controversial, particularly the routing of I-95 through central Boston. Opposition to continued construction grew, and in 1970 Governor ] issued a general prohibition on most further freeway construction within the I-95/Route 128 loop in the Boston area.<ref>Brown and Tager, pp. 283–284.</ref> A massive undertaking to depress I-93 in downtown Boston, called the ], has brought the city's highway system under public scrutiny over the last decade.<ref name="BigDig1" /> | |||
===Languages=== | |||
The most common form of ] spoken in Massachusetts, other than ], are the ] and the ]. | |||
==Government and politics== | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin-left:1em; float:center" | |||
] facing ]]] | |||
|+ '''Top 10 Non-English Languages Spoken in Massachusetts''' | |||
Massachusetts has a long political history; earlier political structures included the ] of 1620, the separate ] and ] colonies, and the combined colonial ]. The ] was ratified in 1780 while the ] was in progress, four years after the ] was drafted, and eight years before the present ] was ratified on June 21, 1788. Drafted by ], the Massachusetts Constitution is currently the oldest functioning written constitution in continuous effect in the world.<ref>{{cite book|last=Levy|first=Leonard|title=Seasoned Judgments: The American Constitution, Rights, and History|year=1995|page=307|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=-7lKq0dfs54C&pg=PA307&dq=Massachusetts+world%27s+oldest+constitution&hl=en&sa=X&ei=0yr7Tt6YC6Hw0gHimcSNAg&ved=0CEgQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Massachusetts%20world%27s%20oldest%20constitution&f=false}}</ref><ref name="Kemp">{{cite book|last=Kemp|first=Roger|title=Documents of American Democracy|year=2010|page=59|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=JHawgM-WnlUC&pg=PA59&dq=Massachusetts+world%27s+oldest+constitution&hl=en&sa=X&ei=0yr7Tt6YC6Hw0gHimcSNAg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=Massachusetts%20world%27s%20oldest%20constitution&f=false}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Murrin|first=John|title=Liberty, Power, and Equality: A History|year=2011|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CADtJymgzk4C&pg=PT222&dq=Massachusetts+world%27s+oldest+constitution&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Iiz7TprzA-fo0QGVp51s&ved=0CFUQ6AEwBjgU#v=onepage&q=Massachusetts%20world%27s%20oldest%20constitution&f=false}}</ref><ref name="sjc-massgov">{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/courts/sjc/john-adams-b.html|title=John Adams and the Massachusetts Constitution|year=2007|publisher=Massachusetts Judicial Branch, mass.gov|accessdate=July 18, 2009}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
! Language !! Percentage of population<br /><small>(as of 2010)</small><ref name="MLA Data"/> | |||
In recent decades, Massachusetts politics have been generally dominated by the ], and the state has a reputation for being one of the most ] in the country. In 1974, ] became ] openly lesbian or gay candidate elected to a state legislature in US history.<ref name="glbtq">{{cite web | last =Gianoulis | |||
|- | |||
| first =Tina | title = Noble, Elaine | publisher =glbtq: An Encyclopedia of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Culture | date =October 13, 2005 | |||
| ] || 7.50% | |||
| url =http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/noble_e.html | |||
|- | |||
| accessdate =September 24, 2007 }}</ref> The state housed the first openly gay member of the ], ]. | |||
| ] || 2.97% | |||
|- | |||
===Government=== | |||
| ] (including ] and ]) || 1.59% | |||
{{Main|Government of Massachusetts}} | |||
|- | |||
The ] is divided into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The ] heads the executive branch; duties of the governor include signing or vetoing legislation, filling judicial and agency appointments, granting pardons, preparing an annual budget, and commanding the ].<ref name="MassPol1">{{cite web | url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cismaf/mf1b.htm | title = Massachusetts Facts: Politics | publisher = Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts | accessdate =June 1, 2010}}</ref> Massachusetts governors, unlike those of most other states, are addressed as His/Her Excellency.<ref name="MassPol1" /> The current governor is ], a Democrat from ]. The executive branch also includes the Executive Council, which is made up of eight elected councilors and the ].<ref name="MassPol1" /> | |||
| ] || 1.11% | |||
|- | |||
Abilities of the Council include confirming gubanatorial appointments and certifying elections.<ref name="MassPol1" /> The ] and ] comprise the legislature of Massachusetts, known as the ].<ref name="MassPol1" /> The House consists of 160 members while the Senate has 40 members.<ref name="Ma | |||
| ] || 0.89% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 0.72% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 0.62% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 0.58% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 0.41% | |||
|- | |||
| ] and ] (including ]) (tied) || 0.37% | |||
|} | |||
As of 2010, 78.93% (4,823,127) of Massachusetts residents age 5 and older spoke ] at home as a ], while 7.50% (458,256) spoke ], 2.97% (181,437) ], 1.59% (96,690) ] (which includes ] and ]), 1.11% (67,788) ], 0.89% (54,456) ], 0.72% (43,798) ], 0.62% (37,865) ], and ] was spoken as a ] by 0.58% (35,283) of the population over the age of five. In total, 21.07% (1,287,419) of Massachusetts's population age 5 and older spoke a ] other than English.<ref name="MLA Data">{{cite web|url=http://www.mla.org/map_data|title=Massachusetts|publisher=]|accessdate=August 21, 2013}}</ref> | As of 2010, 78.93% (4,823,127) of Massachusetts residents age 5 and older spoke ] at home as a ], while 7.50% (458,256) spoke ], 2.97% (181,437) ], 1.59% (96,690) ] (which includes ] and ]), 1.11% (67,788) ], 0.89% (54,456) ], 0.72% (43,798) ], 0.62% (37,865) ], and ] was spoken as a ] by 0.58% (35,283) of the population over the age of five. In total, 21.07% (1,287,419) of Massachusetts's population age 5 and older spoke a ] other than English.<ref name="MLA Data">{{cite web|url=http://www.mla.org/map_data|title=Massachusetts|publisher=]|accessdate=August 21, 2013}}</ref> | ||
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===Energy=== | ===Energy=== | ||
Massachusetts' electricity generation market was made competitive in 1998, enabling retail customers to changeion Division|date=December 2012|accessdate=December 22, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts' electricity generation market was made competitive in 1998, enabling retail customers to change suppliers without changing utility companies.<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.goodenergy.com/electricity_deregulation/massachusetts.aspx | title = Electricity deregulation | publisher = Good Energy | contribution = Massachusetts }}</ref> Though most residential customers remain with incumbent generators, most of the 4.3 billion kilowatt-hours consumed in the state in July 2011 were generated competitively.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mass.gov/Eoeea/docs/doer/electric_deregulation/1107.xls | format = ] | title = Electric deregulation}}{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> In 2011, Massachusetts was ranked as the most energy efficient state in America.<ref>{{cite web | first =Andrew | last = Shen | date =October 25, 2011 |url= http://www.businessinsider.com/most-energy-efficient-states-2011-10 |title=Massachusetts Passes California As The Most Energy Efficient State |publisher=Business insider | accessdate =January 25, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts had an estimated 2012 population of 6,646,144.<ref name="PopEstUS" /> As of 2000, Massachusetts was estimated to be the ] most densely populated U.S. state, with 809.8 people per square mile, behind ] and ].<ref name="2000census" /> Massachusetts in 2008 included 919,771 foreign-born residents. | |||
Most Bay Staters live within the Boston Metropolitan Area, also known as ], which in its most exte book|last=Neal|first= Daniel|title= The history of New-England|publisher= A. Ward| location = London | year= 1747|edition=2|volume=2|page=216|chapter=XIV: The Present State of New England|oclc=8616817|url = http://books.google.com/?id=u3opAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA216 |accessdate=June 24, 2009}}</ref> | |||
The official name of the state is the "] of Massachusetts".<ref>{{cite web | title = Part One: Concise Facts – Name | publisher=Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts | accessdate =May 22, 2010 | url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cismaf/mf1a.htm}}</ref> Colloquially, it is often referred to simply as "the Commonwealth". While this designation is part of the state's official name, it has no practical implications. Massachusetts has the same position and powers within the United States as other states.<ref>{{cite web | title = Kentucky as a Commonwealth | publisher=Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives | accessdate =May 22, 2010 | url = http://www.kdla.ky.gov/resources/KYCommonwealth.htm}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> | |||
ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Coastal Waterbird Program | publisher= Mass Audubon | accessdate = May 28, 2010 | url = http://www.massaudubon.org/cwp/}}</ref> Protected areas such as the ] provide critical breeding habitat for shorebirds and a variety of marine wildlife including a large population of ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge – Wildlife and Habitat | publisher = ] | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.fws.gov/northeast/monomoy/wildlife.html}}</ref> | |||
Freshwater fish species in Massachusetts include ], ], ], and ],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/fishing/best_bets/best_bets_home.htm | title = Best Bets for Fishing | publisher = Massachusetts Division of Wildlife & Fisheries | accessdate =May 30, 2010}}</ref> while saltwater species such as ], ] and ] populate offshore waters.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/recreationalfishing/species.htm | title = Species Profiles | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries | accessdate =May 30, 2010}}</ref> Other marine species include ], the endangered ]s, as well as ], ]s, ] and ].<ref name="mammallist" /> | |||
==History== | |||
{{Main|History of Massachusetts}} | |||
] ''in Plymouth Harbor'' by ] (1882). The ] were a group of ] who founded ] in 1620.]] | |||
===Early=== | |||
Massachusetts was originally inhabited by tribes of the ] such as the ], ], ], ], ], and ].{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 6–7}}<ref name="Mohican">{{cite web | title = Origin & Early Mohican History | publisher=Stockbridge-Munsee Community — Band of Mohican Indians | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://mohican-nsn.gov/Departments/Library-Museum/Mohican_History/origin-and-early.htm}}</ref> While cultivation of crops like ] and ] supplemented their diets, these tribes were generally dependent on hunting, gathering and fishing for most of their food supply.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 6–7}} Villages consisted of lodges called ] as well as ]s,<ref name="Mohican" /> and tribes were led by male or female elders known as ]s.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 7}} | |||
===Colonial period (1620–1780)=== | |||
In the early 1600s (after contact had been made with Europeans, but before permanent settlements were established), large numbers of the ] in the northeast of what is now the United States were killed by ] such as ], ], ], and perhaps ].<ref name="hoxie-164">{{cite book|last=Hoxie|first=Frederick E |title = Encyclopedia of North American Indians|publisher= Houghton Mifflin Harcourt|year= 1996|location= Boston|page= 164|isbn= 978-0-395-66921-1 | oclc= 34669430|url= http://books.google.com/?id=o-BNU7QuJkYC&pg=PA164|accessdate= July 30, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.3201/e0di1602.090276 | last1 = Marr | first1 = JS | last2 = Cathey | first2 = JT | title = New hypothesis for cause of an epidemic among Native Americans, New England, 1616–1619 | journal = Emerging Infectious Disease | year = 2010 | month = Feb }}</ref> In 1617–19, smallpox reportedly killed 90% of the ] ].{{Sfn | Koplow| 2004|p = 13}} | |||
The first English settlers in Massachusetts, the ], established their settlement at ] in 1620, and developed friendly relations with the native ].{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|pp = 29–30}} This was the second successful permanent English colony in North America, after the ]. The Pilgrims were soon followed by other ]s, who established the ] at present-day Boston in 1630.{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 30}} | |||
The Puritans, who believed the ] was too hierarchical (among other disagreements), came to Massachusetts for religious freedom,{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 29}} although, unlike the Plymouth colony, the bay colony was founded under a royal charter. Both religious dissent and expansionism resulted in several new colonies being founded shortly after Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay elsewhere in New England. Dissenters such as ] and ] were banished due to religious disagreements; (Hutchinson held meetings in her home discussing flaws in the Puritan beliefs, while Williams believed that the Puritan beliefs were wrong, and the Indians must be respected.) In 1636, Williams founded the colony of ] and Hutchinson joined him there several years later.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager suppliers without changing utility companies.<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.goodenergy.com/electricity_deregulation/massachusetts.aspx | title = Electricity deregulation | publisher = Good Energy | contribution = Massachusetts }}</ref> Though most residential customers remain with incumbent generators, most of the 4.3 billion kilowatt-hours consumed in the state in July 2011 were generated competitively.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mass.gov/Eoeea/docs/doer/electric_deregulation/1107.xls | format = ] | title = Electric deregulation}}{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> In 2011, Massachusetts was ranked as the most energy efficient state in America.<ref>{{cite web | first =Andrew | last = Shen | date =October 25, 2011 |url= http://www.businessinsider.com/most-energy-efficient-states-2011-10 |title=Massachusetts Passes California As The Most Energy Efficient State |publisher=Business insider | accessdate =January 25, 2012}}</ref> | |||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
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===Air service=== | ===Air service=== | ||
], second-largest city in the state, with ] tower in the background]]The major airport in the state is ]. The airport served over 28 million passengers in 2007 and is used by around 50 airlines.<ref name="MassPort1">{{cite web | |
], second-largest city in the state, with ] tower in the background]]The major airport in the state is ]. The airport served over 28 million passengers in 2007 and is used by around 50 airlines.<ref name="MassPort1">{{cite web | titmc11.serverminer.com:25727le = Who We Are | publisher = ] | accessdate = May 24, 2010 | url = http://www.massport.com/about/about.html}}</ref> Logan International Airport has service to numerous cities throughout the United States, as well as international service to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Logan, ] in ], and ] are operated by ], an independent state transportation agency.<ref name="MassPort1" /> Massachusetts has approximately 42 public-use airfields, and over 200 private landing spots.<ref>{{cite web | title = Massa aeronautics | url = http://www.massaeronautics.org/default.asp?pgid=AeroAbout&sid=level2 }}</ref> Some airports receive funding from the Aeronautics Division of the ] and the ]; FAA is also the primary regulator. | ||
tic]].<ref name="USSenate">{{cite web |url= http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm|title=Members of the 111th Congress |publisher =] |accessdate=October 18, 2009}}</ref><ref name="USHouse">{{cite web |url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cispdf/ma_uscongress.pdf |title=Massachusetts Congressional Districts |publisher= ] |format=PDF |accessdate=October 18, 2009}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> Currently, the ] are Democrats ] and ]. The members of the state's delegation to the ] (all Democrats) are ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="USHouse" /> | |||
{{further2|]}} | |||
===Road=== | |||
There are a total of {{convert|31300|mi|km}} of ] and highways in Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciswel/weltomas.htm#trans | title = Transportation | publisher=Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts | accessdate =May 31, 2010}}</ref> ], also known as the ], is the longest interstate in Massachusetts. The route runs {{convert|136|mi|km|abbr=on}} generally west to east from the New York state line near the town of ] and passes just north of ], just south of ] and through ] before terminating near Logan International Airport in Boston. Other major interstates include ], which runs generally north and south along the ], ], which runs north and south through central Boston, then passes ] before entering New Hampshire. ], which follows most of the US Atlantic coastline, connects ] with Greater Boston, forming a loop around the more urbanized areas (for some distance cosigned with ]) before continuing north along the coast. | |||
] forms a wide loop around the outer edge of Greater Boston. Other major interstates in Massachusetts include ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Major non-interstate highways in Massachusetts include ] ], ], ], and ], and state routes ], ], ] and 128. A great majority of interstates in Massachusetts were constructed during the mid 20th century, and at times were controversial, particularly the routing of I-95 through central Boston. Opposition to continued construction grew, and in 1970 Governor ] issued a general prohibition on most further freeway construction within the I-95/Route 128 loop in the Boston area.<ref>Brown and Tager, pp. 283–284.</ref> A massive undertaking to depress I-93 in downtown Boston, called the ], has brought the city's highway system under public scrutiny over the last decade.<ref name="BigDig1" /> | |||
==Government and politics== | |||
] facing ]]] | |||
Massachusetts has a long political history; earlier political structures included the ] of 1620, the separate ] and ] colonies, and the combined colonial ]. The ] was ratified in 1780 while the ] was in progress, four years after the ] was drafted, and eight years before the present ] was ratified on June 21, 1788. Drafted by ], the Massachusetts Constitution is currently the oldest functioning written constitution in continuous effect in the world.<ref>{{cite book|last=Levy|first=Leonard|title=Seasoned Judgments: The American Constitution, Rights, and History|year=1995|page=307|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=-7lKq0dfs54C&pg=PA307&dq=Massachusetts+world%27s+oldest+constitution&hl=en&sa=X&ei=0yr7Tt6YC6Hw0gHimcSNAg&ved=0CEgQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Massachusetts%20world%27s%20oldest%20constitution&f=false}}</ref><ref name="Kemp">{{cite book|last=Kemp|first=Roger|title=Documents of American Democracy|year=2010|page=59|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=JHawgM-WnlUC&pg=PA59&dq=Massachusetts+world%27s+oldest+constitution&hl=en&sa=X&ei=0yr7Tt6YC6Hw0gHimcSNAg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=Massachusetts%20world%27s%20oldest%20constitution&f=false}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Murrin|first=John|title=Liberty, Power, and Equality: A History|year=2011|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CADtJymgzk4C&pg=PT222&dq=Massachusetts+world%27s+oldest+constitution&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Iiz7TprzA-fo0QGVp51s&ved=0CFUQ6AEwBjgU#v=onepage&q=Massachusetts%20world%27s%20oldest%20constitution&f=false}}</ref><ref name="sjc-massgov">{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/courts/sjc/john-adams-b.html|title=John Adams and the Massachusetts Constitution|year=2007|publisher=Massachusetts Judicial Branch, mass.gov|accessdate=July 18, 2009}}</ref> | |||
In recent decades, Massachusetts politics have been generally dominated by the ], and the state has a reputation for being one of the most ] in the country. In 1974, ] became ] openly lesbian or gay candidate elected to a state legislature in US history.<ref name="glbtq">{{cite web | last =Gianoulis | |||
| first =Tina | title = Noble, Elaine | publisher =glbtq: An Encyclopedia of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Culture | date =October 13, 2005 | |||
| url =http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/noble_e.html | |||
| accessdate =September 24, 2007 }}</ref> The state housed the first openly gay member of the ], ]. | |||
===Government=== | |||
{{Main|Government of Massachusetts}} | |||
The ] is divided into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The ] heads the executive branch; duties of the governor include signing or vetoing legislation, filling judicial and agency appointments, granting pardons, preparing an annual budget, and commanding the ].<ref name="MassPol1">{{cite web | url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cismaf/mf1b.htm | title = Massachusetts Facts: Politics | publisher = Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts | accessdate =June 1, 2010}}</ref> Massachusetts governors, unlike those of most other states, are addressed as His/Her Excellency.<ref name="MassPol1" /> The current governor is ], a Democrat from ]. The executive branch also includes the Executive Council, which is made up of eight elected councilors and the ].<ref name="MassPol1" /> | |||
Abilities of the Council include confirming gubanatorial appointments and certifying elections.<ref name="MassPol1" /> The ] and ] comprise the legislature of Massachusetts, known as the ].<ref name="MassPol1" /> The House consists of 160 members while the Senate has 40 members.<ref name="MassPol1" /> Leaders of the House and Senate are chosen by the members of those bodies; the leader of the House is known as the Speaker while the leader of the Senate is known as the President.<ref name="MassPol1" /> Each branch consists of several committees.<ref name="MassPol1" /> Members of both bodies are elected to two-year terms. | |||
The Judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Judicial Court, which serves over a number of lower courts.<ref name="MassPol1" /> The Supreme Judicial Court is made up of a chief justice and six associate justices.<ref name="MassPol1" /> Judicial appointments are made by the governor and confirmed by the executive council.<ref name="MassPol1" /> | |||
The Congressional delegation from Massachusetts is entirely ].<ref name="USSenate">{{cite web |url= http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm|title=Members of the 111th Congress |publisher =] |accessdate=October 18, 2009}}</ref><ref name="USHouse">{{cite web |url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cispdf/ma_uscongress.pdf |title=Massachusetts Congressional Districts |publisher= ] |format=PDF |accessdate=October 18, 2009}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> Currently, the ] are Democrats ] and ]. The members of the state's delegation to the ] (all Democrats) are ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="USHouse" /> | |||
Federal court cases are heard in the ], and appeals are heard by the ].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web | location = US | url = http://www.uscourts.gov/images/CircuitMap.pdf |title=Geographic Boundaries of United States Courts of Appeals and United States District Courts |publisher= Courts |format=PDF |accessdate=October 18, 2009}}</ref> In US presidential elections, Massachusetts is allotted 11 votes in the ], out of a total of 538.<ref>{{cite web | work = Electoral College | title = 2008 Presidential Election | publisher= Archives | location = US | accessdate =June 2, 2010 | url = http://archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2008/allocation.html}}</ref> Like most states, Massachusetts's electoral votes are granted in a winner-take-all system.<ref>{{cite web | location = US | work = Electoral College | title = Frequently Asked Questions | publisher = Archives | accessdate =June 2, 2010 | url = http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/faq.html}}</ref> | Federal court cases are heard in the ], and appeals are heard by the ].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web | location = US | url = http://www.uscourts.gov/images/CircuitMap.pdf |title=Geographic Boundaries of United States Courts of Appeals and United States District Courts |publisher= Courts |format=PDF |accessdate=October 18, 2009}}</ref> In US presidential elections, Massachusetts is allotted 11 votes in the ], out of a total of 538.<ref>{{cite web | work = Electoral College | title = 2008 Presidential Election | publisher= Archives | location = US | accessdate =June 2, 2010 | url = http://archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2008/allocation.html}}</ref> Like most states, Massachusetts's electoral votes are granted in a winner-take-all system.<ref>{{cite web | location = US | work = Electoral College | title = Frequently Asked Questions | publisher = Archives | accessdate =June 2, 2010 | url = http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/faq.html}}</ref> | ||
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| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |'''60%''' ''1,616,487'' | | style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |'''60%''' ''1,616,487'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| style="text-align:center; |
| style="text-align:center; back | ||
| Demonym = Bay Stater (official)<ref>{{cite web| title = Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 2, Section 35: Designation of citizens of commonwealth|url=http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/2-35.htm|publisher=The Commonwealth of Massachusetts| accessdate = February 29, 2008}}</ref> Massachusite (traditional)<ref>{{Cite journal | page = 435 | title = Collections | publisher = ] | place = Boston | year = 1877 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=rdbnCkXB2RwC }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book | last = Jones | first = Thomas | page = 465 | title = History of New York During the Revolutionary War | publisher = ] | editor-first = Edward Floyd | editor-last = DeLancey | place = New York | year = 1879 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=pbuXATAHXMEC }}</ref> Massachusettsian (archaic)<ref>].</ref> | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;" |28% ''718,107'' | |||
| Capital = ] | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |'''62%''' ''1,571,763'' | |||
| LargestCity = capital | |||
|- | |||
| LargestMetro = ] | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |] | |||
| Governor = ] (D) | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;" |29% ''805,049'' | |||
| Lieutenant Governor = Vacant | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |'''48%''' ''1,318,662'' | |||
| Legislature = ] | |||
|- | |||
| Upperhouse = ] | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |] | |||
| Lowerhouse = ] | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff3f3;" |46% ''1,194,635'' | |||
| Senators = ] (D)<br />] (D) | |||
| style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0ff;" |'''53%''' ''1,401,416'' | |||
| Representative=9 Democrats | |||
|} | |||
| PostalAbbreviation = MA | |||
Throughout the mid 20th century, Massachusetts has gradually shifted from a ]-leaning state to one largely dominated by ]; the ] of ] over incumbent Senator ] is seen as a watershed moment in this transformation. His younger brother ] held that seat until his death from a brain tumor in 2009.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 310}} Massachusetts has since gained a reputation as being a politically liberal state and is often used as an archetype of ], hence the usage of the phrase "]".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-07-25-mass-liberal_x.htm|title= Does 'Massachusetts liberal' label still matter?| first1 =Susan | last1 = Page | first2 = Jill | last2 = Lawrence|work= USA Today|date= July 11, 2004|accessdate = October 17, 2009}}</ref> | |||
| TradAbbreviation = Mass. | |||
| OfficialLang = None | |||
| AreaRank = 44th | |||
| TotalAreaUS = 10,555<ref name=2000census/><!--To nearest sqmi., from USCensus web page--> | |||
| TotalArea = 27,336 <!--conversion to nearest km²--> | |||
| LandAreaUS = 7,840 | |||
| LandArea = 20,306 | |||
| WaterAreaUS = 2,715 | |||
| WaterArea = 7,031 | |||
| PCWater = 25.7 <!--calculation: Water area over Total area--> | |||
| PopRank = 14th | |||
| 2010Pop = 6,646,144 (2012 est)<ref name=PopEstUS/> | |||
| DensityRank = 3rd | |||
| 2000DensityUS = 840 | |||
| 2000Density = 324 | |||
| MedianHouseholdIncome = $65,401 (2008) | |||
| IncomeRank = 6th | | |||
| AdmittanceOrder = 6th | |||
| AdmittanceDate = February 6, 1788 | |||
| TimeZone = ]: ] ]/] | |||
| Latitude = 41° 14′ N to 42° 53′ N | |||
==Name== | |||
] | |||
The ] was named after the indigenous population, the ], whose name can be segmented as ''mass-adchu-s-et'', where ''mass-'' is "large", ''-adchu-'' is "hill", ''-s-'' is a ] suffix meaning "small", and ''-et'' is a ] suffix, identifying a place. It has been translated as "near the great hill",<ref>{{Cite book | first = William Wallace | last = Tooker | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=U5cqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA175 | title = Algonquian Names of some Mountains and Hills | year = 1904}}</ref> "by the blue hills", "at the little big hill", or "at the range of hills", referring to the ], or in particular, ], located on the boundary of ] and ].<ref name="Camp">Salwen, Bert, 1978. ''Indians of Southern New England and Long Island: Early Period''. In "Northeast", ed. Bruce G. Trigger. Vol. 15 of "Handbook of North American Indians", ed. William C. Sturtevant, pp. 160–76. Washington DC: Smithsonian Institution. Quoted in: Campbell, Lyle. 1997. ''American Indian Languages: The Historical Linguistics of Native America''. Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 401</ref><ref>Bright, William (2004). ''Native American Place Names of the United States''. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, p. 270</ref> Alternatively, Massachusett has been represented as ''Moswetuset'', from the name of the ] (meaning "hill shaped like an arrowhead") in ] where ] commander ] and ], a ], met Chief Chickatawbut in 1621.<ref name="tcpl-hummock">{{cite web|url=http://thomascranelibrary.org/htm/436.htm|title=East Squantum Street (Moswetuset Hummock)|year=1986|work = Quincy, Mass. Historical and Architectural Survey|publisher= ]|accessdate= June 24, 2009}}</ref><ref name="neal-history-of-ne">{{ci | |||
|1990= 6016425 | |||
|2000= 6349097 | |||
|2010= 6547629 | |||
|estimate= 6646144 | |||
|estyear= 2012 | |||
|footnote=<ref name="PopEstUS"/><ref>{{Cite journal|place=US|url=http://www.census.gov/population/censusdata/table-16.pdf|title=Population: 1790 to 1990|publisher=census}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/tab02.txt|title=Resident Population of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico|publisher=Census|year=2000|place=US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/|title=2010 Data|publisher=Census|location=US|accessdate=February 1, 2011}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
The ] estimates that the population of Massachusetts was 6,646,144 on July 1, 2012, a 1.5% increase since the ].<ref name="PopEstUS">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/popest/data/state/totals/2012/tables/NST-EST2012-01.csv|title=Annual Estimates of the Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012|format=]|work=2012 Population Estimates|publisher=], Populat| 2000|pp = 30–32}} | |||
In 1641, Massachusetts expanded inland significantly, acquiring the ] settlement of ], which had recently disputed with, and defected from its original administrators, the ]. This established Massachusetts' southern border in the west. <ref>. Bio.umass.edu. Retrieved on September 7, 2013.</ref> | |||
In 1691, the colonies of Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth were united (along with present-day ], which had previously been divided between Massachusetts and ]) into the ].{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|p = 66}} Shortly after the arrival of the new province's first governor, Sir ], the ] took place, in which a number of men and women were hanged.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 50}} | |||
Massachusetts |
During the ], ], became a center for ]ing. Although the documentation is incomplete, about 1,700 ], issued on a per-voyage basis, were granted during the American Revolution. Nearly 800 vessels were commissioned as privateers and are credited with capturing or destroying about 600 British ships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/revwar/about_the_revolution/privateers.html|title=John Fraylor. Salem Maritime National Historic Park|publisher=Nps.gov|accessdate=September 3, 2012}}</ref> Duritro area, the Cape and Islands, and Western Massachusetts. Pockets of Republican strength are in the central areas along the I-495 crescent, and communities on the south and north shores,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.r-bloggers.com/mapping-ma-election-results/ | publisher = R bloggers | title = Mapping MA election results }}</ref> but the state as a whole has not given its ] votes to a Republican in a ] since ] carried it in ]. Additionally, Massachusetts provided Reagan with his smallest margins of victory in both the ] and 1984 elections. In recent elections, even ]'s 2010 win, Western Massachusetts is more reliably ] (by city/town) than Eastern Massachusetts. | ||
As of the 2006 election, the Republican party holds less than 13% of the seats in both legislative houses of the ]: in the House, the balance is 141 Democratic to 19 Republican, and in the Senate, 35–5.<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.ncsl.org/ncsldb/elect98/profile.cfm?yearsel=2006&statesel=MA | title = State Vote 2006: Election Profile, Massachusetts | journal = State Legislatures Magazine | publisher = National Conference of State Legislatures | accessdate = November 17, 2007 }}</ref> | As of the 2006 election, the Republican party holds less than 13% of the seats in both legislative houses of the ]: in the House, the balance is 141 Democratic to 19 Republican, and in the Senate, 35–5.<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.ncsl.org/ncsldb/elect98/profile.cfm?yearsel=2006&statesel=MA | title = State Vote 2006: Election Profile, Massachusetts | journal = State Legislatures Magazine | publisher = National Conference of State Legislatures | accessdate = November 17, 2007 }}</ref> | ||
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Massachusetts was the first state to require municipalities to appoint a teacher or establish a grammar school with the passage of the ] of 1647,{{Sfn | Dejnozka| Gifford| Kapel| Kapel| 1982|p = 313}} and 19th century reforms pushed by ], founder of ], laid much of the groundwork for contemporary universal public education.{{Sfn | Dejnozka| Gifford| Kapel| Kapel| 1982|p = 311}}{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|pp = 251–52}} Massachusetts is home to the country's oldest public elementary school (], founded in 1639), oldest high school (], founded in 1635),<ref>{{Cite news | last = Ramírez | first = Eddy | title = The First Class State | url = http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/high-schools/2007/11/29/the-first-class-state.html | newspaper = ] | date = November 29, 2007 | accessdate = June 5, 2010 }}</ref> oldest boarding school (], founded in 1763), oldest college (], founded in 1636)<ref>{{Cite news | last1 = Rimer | first1 = Sara | last2 = Finder | first2 = Alan | title = Harvard Plans to Name First Female President | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/10/education/10harvard.html?_r=1 | newspaper = ] | date = February 10, 2007 | accessdate = June 5, 2010 }}</ref> and oldest women's college (], founded in 1837).<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.studypoint.com/admissions/mount-holyoke/ | contribution = Mount Holyoke | title = Admissions | publisher = StudyPoint }}</ref> | Massachusetts was the first state to require municipalities to appoint a teacher or establish a grammar school with the passage of the ] of 1647,{{Sfn | Dejnozka| Gifford| Kapel| Kapel| 1982|p = 313}} and 19th century reforms pushed by ], founder of ], laid much of the groundwork for contemporary universal public education.{{Sfn | Dejnozka| Gifford| Kapel| Kapel| 1982|p = 311}}{{Sfn | Goldfield| Abbott| Anderson| Argersinger| 1998|pp = 251–52}} Massachusetts is home to the country's oldest public elementary school (], founded in 1639), oldest high school (], founded in 1635),<ref>{{Cite news | last = Ramírez | first = Eddy | title = The First Class State | url = http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/high-schools/2007/11/29/the-first-class-state.html | newspaper = ] | date = November 29, 2007 | accessdate = June 5, 2010 }}</ref> oldest boarding school (], founded in 1763), oldest college (], founded in 1636)<ref>{{Cite news | last1 = Rimer | first1 = Sara | last2 = Finder | first2 = Alan | title = Harvard Plans to Name First Female President | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/10/education/10harvard.html?_r=1 | newspaper = ] | date = February 10, 2007 | accessdate = June 5, 2010 }}</ref> and oldest women's college (], founded in 1837).<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.studypoint.com/admissions/mount-holyoke/ | contribution = Mount Holyoke | title = Admissions | publisher = StudyPoint }}</ref> | ||
In 1852, Massachusetts became the first state to pass compulsory school attendance laws.<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.ncsl.org/programs/educ/CompulsoryEd.htm | title = Compulsory Education | publisher = National Conference of State Legislatures | accessdate = December 28, 2006 }}</ref> The per-student public expenditure for elementary and secondary schools (kindergarten through grade 12) was fifth in the nation in 2004, at $11,681.<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.nea.org/edstats/RankFull06b.htm#T5 | contribution = Table 5. Current Expenditures ($) per Student in Public K-12 Schools, 2004–05 | at = footnote Rankings & Estimates 2005–2006, Rankings, Table H-11 | type = research | title = Estimates Database | year = 2006 | publisher = National Education Association | accessdate = January 12, 2007 }}</ref> In 2007, Massachusetts scored highest of all the states in math on the |
In 1852, Massachusetts became the first state to pass compulsory school attendance laws.<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.ncsl.org/programs/educ/CompulsoryEd.htm | title = Compulsory Education | publisher = National Conference of State Legislatures | accessdate = December 28, 2006 }}</ref> The per-student public expenditure for elementary and secondary schools (kindergarten through grade 12) was fifth in the nation in 2004, at $11,681.<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.nea.org/edstats/RankFull06b.htm#T5 | contribution = Table 5. Current Expenditures ($) per Student in Public K-12 Schools, 2004–05 | at = footnote Rankings & Estimates 2005–2006, Rankings, Table H-11 | type = research | title = Estimates Database | year = 2006 | publisher = National Education Association | accessdate = January 12, 2007 }}</ref> In 2007, Massachusetts scored highest of all the states in math on the Nat | ||
| Longitude = 69° 56′ W to 73° 30′ W | |||
| LengthUS = 113 | |||
| Length = 182 | |||
| WidthUS = 183 | |||
| Width = 295 | |||
| HighestPoint = ]<ref>{{cite ngs|name=Greylock RM 1 Reset|id=MZ1957}}</ref><ref name=USGS>{{cite web|url = http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html|title=Elevations and Distances in the United States|publisher= ]|year= 2001|accessdate= October 21, 2011}}</ref><ref name=NAVD88>Elevation adjusted to ].</ref> | |||
| HighestElevUS = 3,489 | |||
| HighestElev = 1063.4 | |||
| MeanElevUS = 500 | |||
| MeanElev = 150 | |||
| LowestPoint = Atlantic Ocean<ref name=USGS/> | |||
| LowestElevUS = 0 | |||
| LowestElev = 0 | |||
| ISOCode = US-MA | |||
| Website = http://www.mass.gov/}} | |||
{{Infobox U.S. state symbols | |||
|Name = Massachusetts | |||
|Bird = ], ] | |||
|Fish = ] | |||
|Flower = ] | |||
|Insect = ] | |||
|Mammal = ], ], ], ] | |||
|Reptile = ] | |||
|Tree = ] | |||
|Beverage = ] | |||
|Colors = Blue, Green, Cranberry | |||
|Dance = ] | |||
|Food = ], Corn ], ], ], ], ] | |||
|Fossil = ] | |||
|Gemstone = ] | |||
|Mineral = ] | |||
|Poem = | |||
|StateRock = ] | |||
|Shell = ], ''Neptunea lyrata decemcostata'' | |||
|Ships = '']'' | |||
|Slogan = ''Make It Yours'',<br />''The Spirit of America'' | |||
|Soil = ] | |||
|Song = '']'' | |||
|Sport = Basketball<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/08/09/can_you_guess_the_state_sport_of_massachusetts/ |title=Can you guess the state sport of Massachusetts? | first =Michael | last = Levenson |date=August 9, 2006 |work=Boston Globe |accessdate=February 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
|Route Marker = MA Route 24.svg | |||
|Quarter = 2000 MA Proof.png | |||
|QuarterReleaseDate = 2000}} | |||
'''Massachusetts''' {{IPAc-en|audio=en-us-Massachusetts.ogg|ˌ|m|æ|s|ə|ˈ|tʃ|uː|s|ɨ|t|s}}, officially the '''Commonwealth of Massachusetts''', is a state in the ] region of the ] ]. It is bordered by ] and ] to the south, New York to the west, and ] and ] to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. Massachusetts is the ], but the ] and the ] of the ]. Massachusetts features two separate metropolitan areas: ] in the east and the ] in the west. Approximately two-thirds of Massachusetts' population lives in Greater Boston. Generally the Greater Boston boundary is regarded as the Atlantic Ocean to the east and areas just north, west and south of ] to the west, north and south. ] features one urban area - the ] along the ] - and a mix of ] and rural areas. Many of Massachusetts' towns, cities, and counties ]. Massachusetts is the most populous of the six New England states and has the nation's sixth highest ] | |||
Massachusetts has played a significant historical, cultural, and commercial role in ]. ] was the site of the colony founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims, passengers of the '']''. ], founded in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. In 1692, the town of ] and surrounding areas experienced one of America's most infamous cases of mass hysteria, the ]. In the 18th century, the Protestant ], which swept the Atlantic world, originated from the pulpit of ] preacher ]. In the late 18th century, Boston became known as the "Cradle of Liberty" for the agitation there that led to the ] and the independence of the United States from ]. In 1777, General ] founded the ], which during the ] catalyzed numerous important technological advances, including ]. In 1786, ], a populist revolt led by disaffected Revolutionary War veterans, led directly to the ]. | |||
Before the ], Massachusetts was a center for the ], ], and ] movements. In 1837, ], the United States' first college for women, was opened in the ] town of ]. In the late 19th century, the (now) Olympic sports of basketball and volleyball were invented in the Western Massachusetts cities of ] and ], respectively. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legally recognize ] as a result of the decision of the state's Supreme Judicial Court. Massachusetts has contributed many prominent politicians to national service, including members of the ] and of the ]. | |||
Originally dependent on fishing, agriculture, and trade, Massachusetts was transformed into a manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution. During the 20th century, Massachusetts' economy shifted from manufacturing to services. In the 21st century, Massachusetts is a leader in higher education, health care technology, high technology, and ]. | |||
ional Assessments of Educational Progress.<ref>{{cite web | title = 2007 NAEP Tests: Summary of Results for Massachusetts | publisher= MA, Department of Elemtary & Secondary Education | accessdate =May 22, 2010 | format = PDF | url = http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/naep/results/07read_math.pdf}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts is home to 121 institutions of higher education.<ref name="Education1">{{cite web | url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciswel/weltomas.htm#edu | title = A Practical Guide to Living in the State – Education | publisher= Secretary of the Commonwealth | location = MA, US | accessdate =June 2, 2010}}</ref> Harvard University and the ], both located in ], consistently rank among the world's best universities.<ref>{{cite web | title = World's Best Universities:Top 400 |work=] | accessdate =May 25, 2010 | date = February 25, 2010 | url = http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/worlds-best-universities/2010/02/25/worlds-best-universities-top-400.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Academic Rankings of World Universities – 2009 | publisher=] | accessdate =May 25, 2010 | url = http://www.arwu.org/ARWU2009.jsp}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> In addition to Harvard and MIT, several other Massachusetts universities consistently rank in the top 40 at the national level in the ] of '']'': ] (#28 for 2013), ] (#31), and ] (#33). | Massachusetts is home to 121 institutions of higher education.<ref name="Education1">{{cite web | url = http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciswel/weltomas.htm#edu | title = A Practical Guide to Living in the State – Education | publisher= Secretary of the Commonwealth | location = MA, US | accessdate =June 2, 2010}}</ref> Harvard University and the ], both located in ], consistently rank among the world's best universities.<ref>{{cite web | title = World's Best Universities:Top 400 |work=] | accessdate =May 25, 2010 | date = February 25, 2010 | url = http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/worlds-best-universities/2010/02/25/worlds-best-universities-top-400.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Academic Rankings of World Universities – 2009 | publisher=] | accessdate =May 25, 2010 | url = http://www.arwu.org/ARWU2009.jsp}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> In addition to Harvard and MIT, several other Massachusetts universities consistently rank in the top 40 at the national level in the ] of '']'': ] (#28 for 2013), ] (#31), and ] (#33). | ||
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] fires a salute during its annual Fourth of July turnaround cruise.]] | ] fires a salute during its annual Fourth of July turnaround cruise.]] | ||
==Geography== | |||
{{Main|Geography of Massachusetts|Geology of New England}} | |||
] in ]]] | |||
Massachusetts is the ] state in the United States. It is located in the ] region of the northeastern United States, and has an area of {{convert|10555|sqmi|km2}}.<ref name="2000census">{{cite web | url = http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/GCTTable?_bm=n&_lang=en&mt_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_GCTPH1R_US9S&format=US-9S&_box_head_nbr=GCT-PH1-R&ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&geo_id=01000US | title = Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density (geographically ranked by total population): 2000 | publisher=United States Census Bureau | accessdate =May 30, 2010}}</ref> Several large ] distinctly shape its coast. Boston is the largest city, at the inmost point of ], and the mouth of the ]. | |||
Despite its small size, Massachusetts features numerous distinctive regions: in the west, the rolling ] surround the fertile ], (the latter of which contains ]) in central Massachusetts, rural hill-towns surround ]; while the east encompasses the urban environs of ], the sandy beaches of ], and the rocky shorelines of the northern coast. | |||
The ] administers a number of natural and historical ].<ref name="NPS1">{{cite web | title = Massachusetts | publisher=] | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.nps.gov/state/MA/}}</ref> Along with twelve national historic sites, areas, and corridors, the National Park Service also manages the ] and the ].<ref name="NPS1" /> In addition, the ] maintains a number of parks, trails, and beaches throughout Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web | title = Massachusetts State Parks | publisher=] | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dcr/listing.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Trail Maps | publisher=] | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Getting Wet! | publisher=] | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/swimming.htm}}</ref> | |||
===Ecology=== | |||
The primary ] of inland Massachusetts is ].<ref>{{cite web | title = A Short Introduction to Terrestrial Biomes | publisher= Nearctica | accessdate =October 17, 2009 | url = http://www.nearctica.com/ecology/habitats/biointro.htm}}{{dead link |date=August 2012}}</ref> Although much | |||
of Massachusetts had been cleared for agriculture, leaving only traces of ] in isolated pockets, | |||
secondary growth has regenerated in many rural areas as farms have been abandoned.<ref>{{Cite news | last = Stocker | first = Carol | title = Old growth, grand specimens drive big-tree hunters | url = http://www.boston.com/yourlife/home/articles/2005/11/17/old_growth_grand_specimens_drive_big_tree_hunters/ | newspaper = ] | date = November 17, 2005 | accessdate = October 17, 2009 }}</ref> Currently, forests cover around 62% of Massachusetts.<ref>{{cite web | title = Current Research — Working Landscapes | publisher=The Center for Rural Massachusetts — The ] | accessdate =March 19, 2009 | url= http://www.umass.edu/ruralmass/currentresearch.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Massachusetts Forests | publisher=MassWoods Forest Conservation Program — The ] | accessdate =March 19, 2009 | url = http://www.masswoods.net/index.php/forests}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> The areas most affected by human development include the Greater Boston area in the east and the Springfield metropolitan area in the west, although the latter includes agricultural areas throughout the Connecticut River Valley.<ref>{{cite web | title = Northeastern Coastal Zone — Ecoregion Description | publisher=] | accessdate =October 17, 2009 | url = http://landcovertrends.usgs.gov/east/eco59Report.html}}</ref> Animals that have become locally extinct over the past few centuries include the ], ], ], and ].<ref name="mammallist">{{cite web | title = State Mammal List | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =October 17, 2009 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/facts/mammals/mammal_list.htm}}</ref> | |||
]]] | |||
A number of species are doing well despite (and in some cases because of) the increased urbanization of Massachusetts. ] utilize office towers in larger cities as nesting areas,<ref>{{cite web | title = Peregrine Falcon | publisher= Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | format = PDF | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/nhfacts/falco_peregrinus.pdf}}</ref> and the population of ], whose diet may include garbage and roadkill, has been increasing in recent decades.<ref>{{cite web | title = Eastern Coyote in Massachusetts | publisher =Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_coyotes.htm}}</ref> ], ]s, ]s and ]s are also found throughout Massachusetts.<ref name="mammallist" /><ref>{{cite web | title = Wild Turkey in Massachusetts | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | format = PDF | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/pdf/living%20_with_turkeys.pdf}}</ref> In more rural areas in the western part of Massachusetts, larger mammals such as ] and ] have returned, largely due to reforestation following the regional decline in agriculture.<ref>{{cite web | title = Moose in Massachusetts | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_moose.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Black Bears in Massachusetts | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 26, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/living/living_with_bears.htm}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts is located along the ], a major route for migratory waterfowl along the Atlantic coast.<ref>{{cite web | title = Atlantic Flyway | publisher=University of Nebraska | accessdate =May 22, 2010 | url = http://www.unl.edu/nac/atlas/Map_Html/Biodiversity/National/Atlantic_flyway/Atlantic_Flyway.htm}}</ref> Lakes in central Massachusetts provide habitat for the ], especially ],<ref>{{cite web | title = Common Loon | publisher = Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 28, 2010 | format = PDF | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/nhfacts/gavia_immer.pdf}}</ref> while a significant population of ] winter off ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Telemetry Research:Long-Tailed Ducks | publisher= Mass Audubon | accessdate =May 28, 2010 | url = http://www.massaudubon.org/Conservation_Science/Tracking/LTDUresearch.php}}</ref> Small offshore islands and beaches are home to ]s and are important breeding areas for the locally threatened ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Roseate Tern | publisher=Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife | accessdate =May 28, 2010 | url = http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/nhfacts/roseate_tern.pdf}}</ | |||
Massachusetts is home to a large number of museums and historical sites. The ], the ] and the ] contemporary art and sculpture museum in ] are all located within Massachusetts,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.cityofboston.gov/visitors/museums.asp | title = Museums | publisher=City of Boston | accessdate =May 29, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.decordova.org/art/park/ | title = About the DeCordova Sculpture Park | publisher=DeCordova Sculpture Park | accessdate =May 29, 2010}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> and the ] in ] includes several observatories, museums, and an aquarium.<ref name="Museums1">{{cite web | title = Art Museums | publisher=Massachusetts Department of Tourism | accessdate =May 29, 2010 | url = http://www.massvacation.com/arts/art-museums.php}}</ref> Historically themed museums and sites such as the ] in ],<ref name="NPS1" /> Boston's ] and nearby ], both of which preserve a number of sites important during the ],<ref name="NPS1" /><ref>{{cite web | title = Places To Go | publisher=] | accessdate = December 30, 2009 | url = http://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm}}</ref> the ], which focuses on some of the earliest mills and canals of the ] in the US,<ref name="NPS1" /> the ] in Boston, which includes important African-American and abolitionist sites in Boston,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.afroammuseum.org/trail.htm | title = Black Heritage Trail | publisher= Museum of African American History | accessdate = May 29, 2010}}</ref> and the ]<ref name="NPS1" /> all showcase various periods of Massachusetts's history. | Massachusetts is home to a large number of museums and historical sites. The ], the ] and the ] contemporary art and sculpture museum in ] are all located within Massachusetts,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.cityofboston.gov/visitors/museums.asp | title = Museums | publisher=City of Boston | accessdate =May 29, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.decordova.org/art/park/ | title = About the DeCordova Sculpture Park | publisher=DeCordova Sculpture Park | accessdate =May 29, 2010}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> and the ] in ] includes several observatories, museums, and an aquarium.<ref name="Museums1">{{cite web | title = Art Museums | publisher=Massachusetts Department of Tourism | accessdate =May 29, 2010 | url = http://www.massvacation.com/arts/art-museums.php}}</ref> Historically themed museums and sites such as the ] in ],<ref name="NPS1" /> Boston's ] and nearby ], both of which preserve a number of sites important during the ],<ref name="NPS1" /><ref>{{cite web | title = Places To Go | publisher=] | accessdate = December 30, 2009 | url = http://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm}}</ref> the ], which focuses on some of the earliest mills and canals of the ] in the US,<ref name="NPS1" /> the ] in Boston, which includes important African-American and abolitionist sites in Boston,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.afroammuseum.org/trail.htm | title = Black Heritage Trail | publisher= Museum of African American History | accessdate = May 29, 2010}}</ref> and the ]<ref name="NPS1" /> all showcase various periods of Massachusetts's history. | ||
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==Health== | ==Health== | ||
{{See also|List of hospitals in Massachusetts|Massachusetts health care reform|Governorship of Mitt Romney#Health care}} | {{See also|List of hospitals in Massachusetts|Massachusetts health care reform|Governorship of Mitt Romney#Health care}} | ||
Massachusetts generally ranks highly among states in most health and disease prevention categories. In 2009, the United Health Foundation ranked the state as third healthiest overall.<ref name="AHR1">{{cite web | title = America's Health Ranking – Massachusetts (2009) | publisher=United Health Foundation | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www hunting. | |||
Massachusetts generally ranks highly among states in most health and disease prevention categories. In 2009, the United Health Foundation ranked the state as third healthiest overall.<ref name="AHR1">{{cite web | title = America's Health Ranking – Massachusetts (2009) | publisher=United Health Foundation | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.americashealthrankings.org/yearcompare/2008/2009/MA.aspx}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> However, the study also pointed to several areas in which Massachusetts ranked below average, such as the state's rate of ], which was the 11th highest in the country.<ref name="AHR1" /> Massachusetts has the most doctors per 100,000 residents,<ref>{{cite web | title = Doctors per 100,000 Resident Population, 2007 | publisher=] | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/ranks/rank18.html}}</ref> the second-lowest ],<ref>{{cite web | title = Infant Mortality Rate, 2006 | publisher=] | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/ranks/rank17.html}}</ref> and the lowest percentage of uninsured residents (for both children as well as the total population).<ref>{{cite web | title = Persons With and Without Health Insurance Coverage by State: 2007 | publisher=] | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/tables/10s0150.pdf}}</ref> According to '']'', commonwealth residents have an average life expectancy of 78.4 years, the fifth longest in the country.<ref>{{cite web | title = U.S. States Ranked by Life Expectancy |work=Bloomberg Businessweek | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/sep2006/db20060913_099763.htm}}</ref> 37.2% of the population is overweight and 21.7% is obese,<ref name="CDC1">{{cite web | title = Overweight and Obesity (BMI) – 2007 | publisher=] | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/BRFSS/list.asp?cat=OB&yr=2007&qkey=4409&state=MA}}</ref> and Massachusetts ranks sixth highest in the percentage of residents who are considered neither obese nor overweight (41.1%).<ref name="CDC1" /> | |||
The nation's first ] was erected by federal order in Boston in 1799.<ref name="jama-marinehosp">{{cite journal|title=The United States Public Health and Marine-Hospital Service|journal=Journal of the American Medical Association|date=July 30, 1904|volume=43|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=FlXlAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA326|accessdate=February 20, 2011|author1=Association|first1=American Medical|last2=Press|first2=Highwire}}</ref><ref name="chelsea-marine">{{cite web|title=U.S. Marine Hospital|url=http://www.olgp.net/chs/hospital/marine.htm|publisher=Chelsea Historical Society|accessdate=February 20, 2011}}</ref> The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine lists a total of 132 hospitals in the state.<ref>{{cite web | title = Massachusetts Area Hospitals | publisher=Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.massmedboard.org/links/hospital_list.shtm}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> According to rankings by '']'', ] in Boston is the top ranked overall hospital in the nation;<ref>{{cite web | title = Best Hospitals 2012–13: The Honor Roll |work=] | accessdate =June 27, 2013 | url = http://health.usnews.com/health-news/best-hospitals/articles/2012/07/16/best-hospitals-2012-13-the-honor-roll}}</ref> the hospital also ranked in the top ten in fifteen specialties.<ref>{{cite web | title = Massachusetts General Hospital |work=] | accessdate =June 27, 2013 | url = http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/ma/massachusetts-general-hospital-6140430}}</ref> Massachusetts General was founded in 1811 and serves as the largest teaching hospital for nearby ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Hospital Overview | publisher=] | accessdate =October 24, 2010 | url = http://www.massgeneral.org/about/overview.aspx}}</ref> | |||
Other teaching and medical institutions affiliated with Harvard include ], ] and ], among others.<ref>{{cite web | title = Facts and Figures: 2009–2010 | publisher=] | accessdate =October 25, 2010 | url = http://hms.harvard.edu/hms/facts.asp}}</ref> Boston is also the location of ], ] and ], the latter of which is the primary teaching hospital for ].<ref>{{cite web | title = About Us | publisher=] | accessdate =October 25, 2010 | url = http://www.bumc.bu.edu/busm/BUSM-About.html}}</ref> The ] is located in ].<ref>{{cite web | title = An Introduction to UMass Medical School | publisher=] | accessdate =October 25, 2010 | url = http://www.umassmed.edu/about/index.aspx}}</ref> The ] has campuses in both Boston and Worcester.<ref>{{cite web | title = About us | publisher=The ] | url = http://www.mcphs.edu/about_mcphs/}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> | |||
==Sports and recreation== | |||
===Organized sports=== | |||
] in Boston is home to the ] of the ] and the ] of the ].]] | |||
The Olympic sports of basketball and volleyball were invented in Western Massachusetts (in Springfield at Springfield College and Holyoke, respectively). The ], a shrine to the sport's history, is a major tourist destination in the City of Springfield. The ] is located in Holyoke.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1202148|title=Volleyball pushed as official team sport of Mass |work=] |date=October 4, 2009 |accessdate=October 18, 2009}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts has a long history with amateur athletics and professional teams. Most of the major professional teams have won multiple championships in their respective leagues. Massachusetts teams have won six ]s (]),<ref>{{cite web | title = Stanley Cup Winners | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SilverwareTrophyWinners.jsp?tro=STC}}</ref> seventeen ] (]),<ref>{{cite web | title = Celtics History — Championship Wins | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://www.nba.com/celtics/history/ChampionshipWins.html}}</ref> three ]s (]),<ref>{{cite web | title = Super Bowl History | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history}}</ref> and nine ] (eight for the ], one for the ]).<ref>{{cite web | title = MLB World Series Winners | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://espn.go.com/mlb/worldseries/history/winners}}</ref> The ], (AHL,) the NHL's development league, is headquartered in Springfield. Other professional sports teams in Massachusetts include the ] AHL team, the ] AHL team, and the ] ] team. | |||
Massachusetts is also the home of the ], rowing events such as the ] on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester and the ],<ref>{{cite web | title = Cornell Rowing Excels at Eastern Sprints | publisher=Cornell University | accessdate =June 6, 2010 | url = http://cornellbigred.com/news/2010/5/16/MROW_0516105419.aspx}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = History of the Head of the Charles Regatta | publisher=Head of the Charles Regatta | accessdate =June 6, 2010 | url = http://www.hocr.org/about/history.asp}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> and the ].<ref>{{cite web | title = 114th Boston Maraton | publisher=Boston Athletic Association | accessdate =June 6, 2010 | url = http://www.bostonmarathon.org/bostonmarathon/114thmarathon.asp}}</ref> A number of major golf events have taken place in Massachusetts, including nine ] and two ]s, among others.<ref>{{cite web | title = 2009 U.S. Open — Past Champions | publisher=] | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://usga.usopen.com/2009/history/past-champions.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Past Results | publisher=] | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://www.rydercup.com/2010/usa/history/past_results.html}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Deutsche Bank Championship | publisher=] | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r505/}}</ref> The ] is the ] team in Massachusetts,<ref>{{cite web | title = Stadium Information | publisher=] | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://www.gillettestadium.com/stadium_information/}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref> and the ] are the ] team.<ref>{{cite web | title = MLL Standings | publisher=] | accessdate =October 21, 2009 | url = http://mll-boston.stats.pointstreak.com/standings.html?leagueid=323&seasonid=3806}}</ref> The ] are the ] in Massachusetts. | |||
A gymnastics center called Brestyan's American Gymnastics has also become well known in the competitive gymnastics world{{by whom|date=August 2012}} in the last decade for producing several internationally successful gymnasts like Olympic silver medalist and vault world champion ], 2011 world champion and two time Olympic Gold medalist ], and Canadian national team member ]. | |||
Several universities in Massachusetts are notable for their collegiate athletics. ] fields teams in the nationally televised ], while ] competes in the famed ]. ], ], ], ], and ] also participate in Division I athletics.<ref>{{cite web | title = College Football Teams (FBS and FCS) | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://espn.go.com/college-football/teams}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = College Basketball Teams — Division I Teams | publisher=] | accessdate =October 18, 2009 | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/teams}}</ref> Many other Massachusetts colleges compete in lower divisions such as ], where ], ], ], ], and others field competitive teams. | |||
===Outdoor recreation=== | |||
Long-distance hiking trails in Massachusetts include the ], the ], the ], the ], and the Bay Circuit Trail.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/greenway/traillinks.htm | title = Greenways and Trails | publisher=Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation | accessdate =June 5, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/wherewework/southernnewengland/index.cfm | title = Southern New England | publisher=] | accessdate =June 2, 2010}}</ref> Other outdoor recreational activities in Massachusetts include sailing and yachting, freshwater and deep-sea fishing,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.massvacation.com/outdoor/fishing.php | title = Fishing & charters | publisher=Massachusetts Department of Tourism | accessdate =June 5, 2010}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.massvacation.com/outdoor/whale-watching.php | title = Whale watching | publisher=Massachusetts Department of Tourism | accessdate =June 5, 2010}}</ref> downhill and cross-country skiing,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.massvacation.com/outdoor/skiing-snowboarding.php | title = Skiing/snowboarding | publisher=Massachusetts Department of Tourism | accessdate =June 5, 2010}}</ref> and hunting. | |||
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* Starkey, Marion L. ''The Devil in Massachusetts'' (1949), Salem witches | * Starkey, Marion L. ''The Devil in Massachusetts'' (1949), Salem witches | ||
* Tager, Jack, and John W. Ifkovic, eds. ''Massachusetts in the Gilded Age: Selected Essays'' (1985), ethnic groups | * Tager, Jack, and John W. Ifkovic, eds. ''Massachusetts in the Gilded Age: Selected Essays'' (1985), ethnic groups | ||
* Zimmerman, Joseph F. '''' (1999) | * Zimmerman, Joseph F. '''' (1999)ssPol1" /> Leaders of the House and Senate are chosen by the members of those bodies; the leader of the House is known as the Speaker while the leader of the Senate is known as the President.<ref name="MassPol1" /> Each branch consists of several committees.<ref name="MassPol1" /> Members of both bodies are elected to two-year terms. | ||
The Judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Judicial Court, which serves over a number of lower courts.<ref name="MassPol1" /> The Supreme Judicial Court is made up of a chief justice and six associate justices.<ref name="MassPol1" /> Judicial appointments are made by the governor and confirmed by the executive council.<ref name="MassPol1" /> | |||
The Congressional delegation from Massachusetts is entirely ], although in somewhat fewer numbers than many other Northern states.{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|p = 301}} Later in the 20th century, immigration from Latin America, Africa, and East Asia increased considerably. Massachusetts has the third largest population of ]ans in the United States.<ref>{{cite web | format = PDF | url = http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/pdf/ResearchPublications//Haitian%20UPDATE%20FINAL.pdf | title = Imagine all the people: Haitian immigrants in Boston | publisher=Boston Development Authority | accessdate =May 30, 2010}}</ref> | |||
Massachusetts also has a relatively large population of ] descent. Many of the earliest Portuguese-speaking immigrants came from the ] in the 19th century to work in the whaling industry in cities like ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/portam/bedford.html | title = Whaling Industry and Portuguese Immigration Centered in New Bedford, Mass | publisher=Library of Congress | accessdate =June 1, 2010}}</ref>{{Sfn | Brettell| 2003|pp = xii–xiv}} Later, further waves of Portuguese arrived, this time often finding work in the textile mills.{{Sfn | Brettell| 2003|pp = xii–xiv}} ] is home to the second-largest ] community in the nation.<ref>{{Cite news | last = Schweitzer | first = Sarah | title = Lowell hopes to put 'Little Cambodia' on the map | url = http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/02/15/lowell_hopes_to_put_little_cambodia_on_the_map/ | newspaper = ] | date = February 15, 2010 | accessdate = May 31, 2010 }}</ref> The ] tribe maintains reservations at ] on Martha's Vineyard, at ], and at ] on Cape Cod,<ref>{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | url = http://wbztv.com/topstories/local_story_046132927.html | title = Wampanoag Tribe Receives Federal Recognition | newspaper = WBZ-TV | place = Boston, MA | accessdate = February 20, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | last = Weber | first = David | url = http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/02/15/mashpee_wampanoag_indians_receive_federal_recognition/ | title = Mashpee Wampanoag Indians receive federal recognition | newspaper = The Boston Globe | date = February 15, 2007 | accessdate = February 20, 2007 }}</ref> while the ] maintain two state-recognized reservations in the central part of the state. While Massachusetts had avoided many of the more violent forms of racial strife seen elsewhere in the US, examples such as the successful electoral showings of the ] (mainly ]) ]s in the 1850s,{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 180–82}} the controversial ] executions in the 1920s,{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 257–58}} and Boston's opposition to desegregation busing in the 1970s{{Sfn | Brown| Tager| 2000|pp = 300–4}} show that the ethnic history of Massachusetts was not completely harmonious. | |||
===Languages=== | |||
The most common form of ] spoken in Massachusetts, other than ], are the ] and the ]. | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin-left:1em; float:center" | |||
|+ '''Top 10 Non-English Languages Spoken in Massachusetts''' | |||
|- | |||
! Language !! Percentage of population<br /><small>(as of 2010)</small><ref name="MLA Data"/> | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 7.50% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 2.97% | |||
|- | |||
| ] (including ] and ]) || 1.59% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 1.11% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 0.89% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 0.72% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 0.62% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 0.58% | |||
|- | |||
| ] || 0.41% | |||
|- | |||
| ] and ] (including ]) (tied) || 0.37% | |||
|} | |||
==External links== | ==External links== |
Revision as of 18:09, 12 December 2013
This article is about the U.S. state. For other uses, see Massachusetts (disambiguation).State in the United States
Massachusetts | |
---|---|
State | |
Country | United States |
Admitted to the Union | () |
Largest city | {{{LargestCity}}} |
• Upper house | {{{Upperhouse}}} |
• Lower house | {{{Lowerhouse}}} |
U.S. senators | {{{Senators}}} |
Population | |
• Total | {{{2,000Pop}}} |
Language |
</ref> Other outdoor recreational activities in Massachusetts include sailing and yachting, freshwater and deep-sea fishing, whale watching, downhill and cross-country skiing, anded/topic/368402/Massachusetts | contribution = Massachusetts (state, United States) | title = Encyclopædia Britannica | edition = online }}</ref> The Codfish State
| Motto = Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (Latin)
By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty
| MottoEnglish = By the sword she seeks peace under liberty
| Former = Province of Massachusetts Bay
|StateAnthem = All Hail to Massachusettsficers, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial in Boston Common contains a relief depicting the 54th regiment.
20th century
The industrial economy began a decline in the early 20th century with the exodus of many manufacturing companies. By the 1920s competition from the South and Midwest, followed by the Great Depression, led to the collapse of the three main industries in Massachusetts: textiles, shoemaking, and precision mechanics. This decline would continue into the later half of the century; between 1950 and 1979, the number of Bay Staters involved in textile manufacturing declined from 264,000 to 63,000. The 1969 closure of the Springfield Armory, in particular, spurred an exodus of high-paying jobs from Western Massachusetts, which suffered greatly as it de-industrialized during the last 40 years of the 20th century.
Massachusetts manufactured 3.4 percent of total United States military armaments produced during World War II, ranking tenth among the 48 states. In Eastern Massachusetts, following World War II, the economy was transformed from one based on heavy industry into a service and high-tech based economy. Government contracts, private investment, and research facilities led to a new and improved industrial climate, with reduced unemployment and increased per capita income. Suburbanization flourished, and by the 1970s, the Route 128 corridor was dotted with high-technology companies who recruited graduates of the area's many elite institutions of higher education.
The Kennedy family was prominent in Massachusetts politics in the 20th century. Children of businessman and ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. included John F. Kennedy, who was a senator and US president before his assassination in 1963, Robert F. Kennedy, who was a senator, US attorney general and presidential candidate before his assassination in 1968, Ted Kennedy, a senator from 1962 until his death in 2009, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a co-founder of the Special Olympics. The famous Kennedy Compound is located at Hyannisport on Cape Cod.
Recent history
In 1987, the state received federal funding for the Central Artery/Tunnel Project. Commonly known as "the Big Dig", it was at the time the biggest federal highway project ever approved. The project included making the Central Artery a tunnel under downtown Boston, in addition to the re-routing of several other major highways. Often controversial, with numerous claims of graft and mismanagement, and with its initial price tag of $2.5 billion increasing to a final tally of over $15 billion, the Big Dig has nonetheless changed the face of Downtown Boston. It has connected areas that were once divided by elevated highway, (much of the raised old Central Artery was replaced with the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway) and improved traffic conditions along a number of routes.
On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts became the first state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage after a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling in November 2003 determined that the exclusion of same-sex couples from the right to a civil marriage was unconstitutional.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of MassachusettsCensus | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1790 | 378,787 | — | |
1800 | 422,845 | 11.6% | |
1810 | 472,040 | 11.6% | |
1820 | 523,287 | 10.9% | |
1830 | 610,408 | 16.6% | |
1840 | 737,699 | 20.9% | |
1850 | 994,514 | 34.8% | |
1860 | 1,231,066 | 23.8% | |
1870 | 1,457,351 | 18.4% | |
1880 | 1,783,085 | 22.4% | |
1890 | 2,238,947 | 25.6% | |
1900 | 2,805,346 | 25.3% | |
1910 | 3,366,416 | 20.0% | |
1920 | 3,852,356 | 14.4% | |
1930 | 4,249,614 | 10.3% | |
1940 | 4,316,721 | 1.6% | |
1950 | 4,690,514 | 8.7% | |
1960 | 5,148,578 | 9.8% | |
1970 | 5,689,170 | 10.5% | |
1980 | 5,737,037pansive sense includes New England's two largest cities, Boston and Worcester. The state's only other metropolitan area is the Springfield Metropolitan Area, also known as Greater Springfield. Centered in the Connecticut River Valley, Greater Springfield includes the revitalizing city of Springfield, and an eclectic array of college towns, (e.g. Amherst and Northampton) and rural areas to the north and west. Geographically, the center of population of Massachusetts is located in the town of Natick.
Like the rest of the northeastern United States, the population of Massachusetts has continued to grow in the past few decades, although at a slower pace than states in the South or West. The latest census estimates show that Massachusetts's population grew by 3.9% since 2,000, compared with nearly 10% nationwide. In their decisions to leave Massachusetts, most former residents cited high housing costs and a high cost of living. Another factor has been the transformation from a manufacturing economy into one based on high technology, leaving limited employment options for lower-skilled workers, particularly males. Foreign immigration is more than making up for these losses, causing the state's population to continue to grow as of the 2,010 Census (particularly in Massachusetts gateway cities where costs of living are lower). 40% of foreign immigrants were from Central or South America, according to a 2,005 Census Bureau study. Many residents who have settled in Greater Springfield claim Puerto Rican descent. Many areas of Massachusetts showed relatively stable population trends between 2,000 and 2,010. Exurban Boston and coastal areas grew the most rapidly, while Berkshire County in far Western Massachusetts and Barnstable County on Cape Cod were the only counties to lose population as of the 2,010 Census. Both of these counties feature many "second homes," and constitute major centers of Massachusetts tourism. In 2,005, 79% of the state population spoke English, 7% spoke Spanish, 3.5% spoke Portuguese, and 1% spoke either French or Chinese. According to the 2,010 U.S. Census, the population was 6,547,629, of which 3,166,628 (48.4%) were male and 3,381,001 (51.6%) were female. In terms of age, 78.3% were over 18 years old and 13.8% were over 65 years old; the median age is 39.1 years. The median age for males is 37.7 years and 40.3 years for females. Race and ancestryIn terms of race and ethnicity, Massachusetts was 83.7% White (75.8% Non-Hispanic White), 7.9% Black or African American, 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 5.8% Asian American, <0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 4.7% from Some Other Race, and 2.0% from Two or More Races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race made up 10.1% of the population. (US Census 2,012 Estimates) The state's most populous ethnic group, non-Hispanic white, has declined from 95.4% in 1,970 to 75.8% in 2,012. As of 2,011, non-Hispanic whites were involved in 63.6% of all the births. As late as 1,795, the population of Massachusetts was nearly 95% of English ancestry. During the early and mid 19th century, immigrant groups began arriving to Massachusetts in large numbers; first from Ireland in the 1,840s; today the Irish and part-Irish are the largest ancestry group in the state at nearly 25% of the total population. Othe Further information: List of airports in MassachusettsRoadThere are a total of 31,300 miles (50,400 km) of interstates and highways in Massachusetts. Interstate 90, also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, is the longest interstate in Massachusetts. The route runs 136 mi (219 km) generally west to east from the New York state line near the town of West Stockbridge and passes just north of Springfield, just south of Worcester and through Framingham before terminating near Logan International Airport in Boston. Other major interstates include Interstate 91, which runs generally north and south along the Connecticut River, Interstate 93, which runs north and south through central Boston, then passes Methuen before entering New Hampshire. Interstate 95, which follows most of the US Atlantic coastline, connects Providence, Rhode Island with Greater Boston, forming a loop around the more urbanized areas (for some distance cosigned with Route 128) before continuing north along the coast. Interstate 495 forms a wide loop around the outer edge of Greater Boston. Other major interstates in Massachusetts include I−291, I−391, I−84, I−195, I−395, I−290, and I−190. Major non-interstate highways in Massachusetts include U.S. Routes 1, 3, 6, and 20, and state routes 2, 3, 24 and 128. A great majority of interstates in Massachusetts were constructed during the mid 20th century, and at times were controversial, particularly the routing of I−95 through central Boston. Opposition to continued construction grew, and in 1,970 Governor Francis W. Sargent issued a general prohibition on most further freeway construction within the I−95/Route 128 loop in the Boston area. A massive undertaking to depress I−93 in downtown Boston, called the Big Dig, has brought the city's highway system under public scrutiny over the last decade. Government and politicsMassachusetts has a long political history; earlier political structures included the Mayflower Compact of 1,620, the separate Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth colonies, and the combined colonial Province of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Constitution was ratified in 1,780 while the Revolutionary War was in progress, four years after the Articles of Confederation was drafted, and eight years before the present United States Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1,788. Drafted by John Adams, the Massachusetts Constitution is currently the oldest functioning written constitution in continuous effect in the world. In recent decades, Massachusetts politics have been generally dominated by the Democratic Party, and the state has a reputation for being one of the most liberal in the country. In 1,974, Elaine Noble became the first openly lesbian or gay candidate elected to a state legislature in US history. The state housed the first openly gay member of the United States House of Representatives, Gerry Studds. GovernmentMain article: Government of MassachusettsThe Government of Massachusetts is divided into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. The governor of Massachusetts heads the executive branch; duties of the governor include signing or vetoing legislation, filling judicial and agency appointments, granting pardons, preparing an annual budget, and commanding the Massachusetts National Guard. Massachusetts governors, unlike those of most other states, are addressed as His/Her Excellency. The current governor is Deval Patrick, a Democrat from Milton. The executive branch also includes the Executive Council, which is made up of eight elected councilors and the Lieutenant Governor. Abilities of the Council include confirming gubanatorial appointments and certifying elections. The Massachusetts House of Representatives and Massachusetts Senate comprise the legislature of Massachusetts, known as the Massachusetts General Court. The House consists of 160 members while the Senate has 40 members.Cite error: The ReligionMassachusetts was founded and settled by the Puritans in 1,628. The descendants of the Puritans belong to many different churches; in the direct line of inheritance are the Congregational/United Church of Christ, and congregations of Unitarian Universalist Association. Most people in Massachusetts were Christians. The headquarters of the Unitarian Universalist Association is located on Beacon Hill in Boston. Today, Protestants make up less than one quarter of the state's population. Roman Catholics now predominate because of massive immigration from primarily Ireland, followed by Italy, Portugal, Quebec, and Latin America. A large Jewish population came to the Boston and Springfield areas in 1,880–1,920. Mary Baker Eddy made the Boston Mother Church of Christian Science the world headquarters. Buddhists, Pagans, Hindus, Seventh-day Adventists, Muslims, and Mormons also can be found. Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, the Shaolin Meditation Temple in Springfield, and the Insight Meditation Center in Barre are examples of non-Abrahamic religious centers in Massachusetts. According to 2,010 data from The Association of Religion Data Archives(ARDA) the largest single denominations are the Roman Catholic Church with 2,940,199 adherents; the United Church of Christ with 86,639 adherents; and the Episcopal Church with 81,999 adherents. The religious affiliations of the people of Massachusetts, according to a 2,001 survey, are shown below:
EconomySee also: List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income and Category:Economy of MassachusettsThe United States Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the Massachusetts gross state product in 2,012 was US$404 billion. The per capita personal income in 2,012 was $53,221, making it the third highest state in the nation. 13 Fortune 500 companies are located in Massachusetts, the largest of which are the Liberty Mutual Insurance Group of Boston and MassMutual Financial Services of Springfield. CNBC's list of "Top States for Business for 2,010" has recognized Massachusetts as the fifth best state in the nation. Sectors vital to the Massachusetts economy include higher education, biotechnology, finance, health care, and tourism. Route 128 was a major center for the development of minicomputers and electronics. High technology remains an important sector, though few of the largest technology companies are based there. In recent years tourism has played an ever-important role in the state's economy, with Boston and Cape Cod being the leading destinations. Other popular tourist destinations include Salem, Plymouth and the Berkshires. As of April 2,013, the state's unemployment rate was 6.4%, below the national level of 7.6 %. As of 2,005, there were 7,700 farms in Massachusetts encompassing a total of 520,000 acres (2,100 km), averaging 68 acres (0.28 km) apiece. Almost 2,300 of the state's 6,100 farms grossed under $2,500 in 2,007. Particular agricultural products of note include tobacco, livestock, and fruits, tree nuts, and berries, for which the state is nationally ranked 11th, 17th, and 16th, respectively. Massachusetts is the second-largest cranberry-producing state in the union (after Wisconsin). TaxationThe overall state and local tax burden in Massachusetts ranks 11th highest in the United States. Massachusetts has a flat-rate personal income tax of 5.25%, after a 2,002 voter referendum to eventually lower the rate to 5.0%. There is an exemption for income below a threshold that varies from year to year. The corporate income tax rate is 8.8%, and the short-term capital gains tax rate is 12%. The state imposes a 6.25% sales tax on certain system design/computer software services and retail sales of tangible personal property—except for groceries, clothing (up to $175.00), and periodicals. The sales tax is charged on clothing that costs more than $175.00, for the amount exceeding $175.00. All real and tangible personal property located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is taxable unless specifically exempted by statute. Property taxes in the state were the eighth highest in the nation. There is no inheritance tax and limited Massachusetts estate tax related to federal estate tax collection. EnergyMassachusetts' electricity generation market was made competitive in 1,998, enabling retail customers to changeion Division | Formatting error: invalid input when rounding% |
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Massachusetts had an estimated 2012 population of 6,646,144. As of 2000, Massachusetts was estimated to be the third most densely populated U.S. state, with 809.8 people per square mile, behind New Jersey and Rhode Island. Massachusetts in 2008 included 919,771 foreign-born residents.
Most Bay Staters live within the Boston Metropolitan Area, also known as Greater Boston, which in its most exte book|last=Neal|first= Daniel|title= The history of New-England|publisher= A. Ward| location = London | year= 1747|edition=2|volume=2|page=216|chapter=XIV: The Present State of New England|oclc=8616817|url = http://books.google.com/?id=u3opAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA216 |accessdate=June 24, 2009}}</ref>
The official name of the state is the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts". Colloquially, it is often referred to simply as "the Commonwealth". While this designation is part of the state's official name, it has no practical implications. Massachusetts has the same position and powers within the United States as other states. ref> Protected areas such as the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge provide critical breeding habitat for shorebirds and a variety of marine wildlife including a large population of gray seals.
Freshwater fish species in Massachusetts include bass, carp, catfish, and trout, while saltwater species such as Atlantic cod, haddock and American lobster populate offshore waters. Other marine species include Harbor seals, the endangered North Atlantic right whales, as well as humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales and Atlantic white-sided dolphins.
History
Main article: History of MassachusettsEarly
Massachusetts was originally inhabited by tribes of the Algonquian language family such as the Wampanoag, Narragansett, Nipmuc, Pocomtuc, Mahican, and Massachusett. While cultivation of crops like squash and corn supplemented their diets, these tribes were generally dependent on hunting, gathering and fishing for most of their food supply. Villages consisted of lodges called wigwams as well as long houses, and tribes were led by male or female elders known as sachems.
Colonial period (1620–1780)
In the early 1600s (after contact had been made with Europeans, but before permanent settlements were established), large numbers of the indigenous people in the northeast of what is now the United States were killed by virgin soil epidemics such as smallpox, measles, influenza, and perhaps leptospirosis. In 1617–19, smallpox reportedly killed 90% of the Massachusetts Bay Native Americans.
The first English settlers in Massachusetts, the Pilgrims, established their settlement at Plymouth in 1620, and developed friendly relations with the native Wampanoag. This was the second successful permanent English colony in North America, after the Jamestown Colony. The Pilgrims were soon followed by other Puritans, who established the Massachusetts Bay Colony at present-day Boston in 1630.
The Puritans, who believed the Church of England was too hierarchical (among other disagreements), came to Massachusetts for religious freedom, although, unlike the Plymouth colony, the bay colony was founded under a royal charter. Both religious dissent and expansionism resulted in several new colonies being founded shortly after Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay elsewhere in New England. Dissenters such as Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams were banished due to religious disagreements; (Hutchinson held meetings in her home discussing flaws in the Puritan beliefs, while Williams believed that the Puritan beliefs were wrong, and the Indians must be respected.) In 1636, Williams founded the colony of Rhode Island and Hutchinson joined him there several years later.
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Massachusetts was 6,646,144 on July 1, 2012, a 1.5% increase since the 2010 United States Census.Cite error: A <ref>
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In 1691, the colonies of Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth were united (along with present-day Maine, which had previously been divided between Massachusetts and New York) into the Province of Massachusetts Bay. Shortly after the arrival of the new province's first governor, Sir William Phips, the Salem witch trials took place, in which a number of men and women were hanged.
During the Revolution, Salem, Massachusetts, became a center for privateering. Although the documentation is incomplete, about 1,700 Letters of Marque, issued on a per-voyage basis, were granted during the American Revolution. Nearly 800 vessels were commissioned as privateers and are credited with capturing or destroying about 600 British ships. Duritro area, the Cape and Islands, and Western Massachusetts. Pockets of Republican strength are in the central areas along the I-495 crescent, and communities on the south and north shores, but the state as a whole has not given its Electoral College votes to a Republican in a presidential election since Ronald Reagan carried it in 1984. Additionally, Massachusetts provided Reagan with his smallest margins of victory in both the 1980 and 1984 elections. In recent elections, even Scott Brown's 2010 win, Western Massachusetts is more reliably 'blue' (by city/town) than Eastern Massachusetts.
As of the 2006 election, the Republican party holds less than 13% of the seats in both legislative houses of the General Court: in the House, the balance is 141 Democratic to 19 Republican, and in the Senate, 35–5.
Although Republicans held the governor's office continuously from 1991 to 2007, they have been among the more moderate Republican leaders in the nation. In the 2004 election, Massachusetts gave native son John Kerry 61.9% of the vote, his best showing in any state. In 2008, President Barack Obama carried the state with 61.8% of the vote. In the 2010 special election for the U.S. Senate, saw Republican Scott Brown defeat Democrat Martha Coakley in a come-from-behind victory, by a 52% to 47% margin only to lose the seat in the 2012 Senate election to Elizabeth Warren, the first female senator to represent Massachusetts, on November 6, 2012.
A number of contemporary national political issues have been influenced by events in Massachusetts, such as the decision in 2003 by the state Supreme Judicial Court allowing same-sex marriage and a 2006 bill which mandated health insurance for all Bay Staters. In 2008, Massachusetts voters passed an initiative decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana. Voters in Massachusetts also approved a ballot measure in 2012 that legalized the medical use of marijuana.
Further information: Political party strength in MassachusettsCities, towns, and counties
Main article: Local GovernmentThere are 50 cities and 301 towns in Massachusetts, grouped into 14 counties. The fourteen counties, moving roughly from west to east, are Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket. Eleven communities which call themselves "towns" are, by law, cities since they have traded the town meeting form of government for a mayor-council or manager-council form.
Boston is the state capital and largest city in Massachusetts. The population of the city proper is 609,023, and Greater Boston, with a population of 4,522,858, is the 10th largest metropolitan area in the nation. Other cities with a population over 100,000 include Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and Cambridge. Plymouth is the largest municipality in the state by land area.
Massachusetts, along with the five other New England states, features the local governmental structure known as the New England town. In this structure, incorporated towns—as opposed to townships or counties—hold many of the responsibilities and powers of local government. Some of the county governments were abolished by Massachusetts in 1997, and elect only a sheriff and registrar of deed who are part of the state government. Others have been reorganized, and a few still retain county councils.
Education
Harvard University and MIT are both widely regarded as in the top handful of universities worldwide for academic research in a myriad of disciplines.Massachusetts was the first state to require municipalities to appoint a teacher or establish a grammar school with the passage of the Massachusetts Education Law of 1647, and 19th century reforms pushed by Horace Mann, founder of Westfield State University, laid much of the groundwork for contemporary universal public education. Massachusetts is home to the country's oldest public elementary school (The Mather School, founded in 1639), oldest high school (Boston Latin School, founded in 1635), oldest boarding school (The Governor's Academy, founded in 1763), oldest college (Harvard University, founded in 1636) and oldest women's college (Mount Holyoke College, founded in 1837).
In 1852, Massachusetts became the first state to pass compulsory school attendance laws. The per-student public expenditure for elementary and secondary schools (kindergarten through grade 12) was fifth in the nation in 2004, at $11,681. In 2007, Massachusetts scored highest of all the states in math on the Nat | Longitude = 69° 56′ W to 73° 30′ W | LengthUS = 113 | Length = 182 | WidthUS = 183 | Width = 295 | HighestPoint = Mount Greylock | HighestElevUS = 3,489 | HighestElev = 1063.4 | MeanElevUS = 500 | MeanElev = 150 | LowestPoint = Atlantic Ocean | LowestElevUS = 0 | LowestElev = 0 | ISOCode = US-MA | Website = http://www.mass.gov/}}
Massachusetts /ˌmæsəˈtʃuːsts/ , officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. Massachusetts is the 7th smallest, but the 14th most populous and the 3rd most densely populated of the 50 United States. Massachusetts features two separate metropolitan areas: Greater Boston in the east and the Springfield metropolitan area in the west. Approximately two-thirds of Massachusetts' population lives in Greater Boston. Generally the Greater Boston boundary is regarded as the Atlantic Ocean to the east and areas just north, west and south of Interstate 495 to the west, north and south. Western Massachusetts features one urban area - the Knowledge Corridor along the Connecticut River - and a mix of college towns and rural areas. Many of Massachusetts' towns, cities, and counties have names identical to ones in England. Massachusetts is the most populous of the six New England states and has the nation's sixth highest GDP per capita.
Massachusetts has played a significant historical, cultural, and commercial role in American history. Plymouth was the site of the colony founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims, passengers of the Mayflower. Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. In 1692, the town of Salem and surrounding areas experienced one of America's most infamous cases of mass hysteria, the Salem Witch Trials. In the 18th century, the Protestant First Great Awakening, which swept the Atlantic world, originated from the pulpit of Northampton, Massachusetts preacher Jonathan Edwards. In the late 18th century, Boston became known as the "Cradle of Liberty" for the agitation there that led to the American Revolution and the independence of the United States from Great Britain. In 1777, General Henry Knox founded the Springfield Armory, which during the Industrial Revolution catalyzed numerous important technological advances, including interchangeable parts. In 1786, Shays' Rebellion, a populist revolt led by disaffected Revolutionary War veterans, led directly to the United States Constitutional Convention.
Before the American Civil War, Massachusetts was a center for the temperance, transcendentalist, and abolitionist movements. In 1837, Mount Holyoke College, the United States' first college for women, was opened in the Connecticut River Valley town of South Hadley. In the late 19th century, the (now) Olympic sports of basketball and volleyball were invented in the Western Massachusetts cities of Springfield and Holyoke, respectively. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legally recognize same-sex marriage as a result of the decision of the state's Supreme Judicial Court. Massachusetts has contributed many prominent politicians to national service, including members of the Adams family and of the Kennedy family.
Originally dependent on fishing, agriculture, and trade, Massachusetts was transformed into a manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution. During the 20th century, Massachusetts' economy shifted from manufacturing to services. In the 21st century, Massachusetts is a leader in higher education, health care technology, high technology, and financial services. ional Assessments of Educational Progress.
Massachusetts is home to 121 institutions of higher education. Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, both located in Cambridge, consistently rank among the world's best universities. In addition to Harvard and MIT, several other Massachusetts universities consistently rank in the top 40 at the national level in the widely cited rankings of U.S. News and World Report: Tufts University (#28 for 2013), Boston College (#31), and Brandeis University (#33).
Among liberal arts colleges, three of the top handful in the nation are within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Williams College (#1 in the liberal arts ranking of USNWR), Amherst College (#2), and Wellesley College (#6). Others regularly placing in the top 40 are Smith College (#19), College of the Holy Cross (#29), and Mount Holyoke College (also #29). According to this "granddaddy of the college rankings", roughly five (12.5%) of the top 40 research universities and six (15%) of the top 40 liberal arts colleges reside in this state that contains only 2% of the U.S. population.
The public University of Massachusetts (nicknamed UMass) features five campuses in the state, with its flagship campus in Amherst that enrolls over 25,000 students.
Further information: List of colleges and universities in Massachusetts, List of engineering schools in Massachusetts, and List of high schools in MassachusettsArts and culture
Massachusetts has contributed much to American arts and culture. Drawing from its Native American and Yankee roots, along with later immigrant groups, Massachusetts has produced a number of writers, artists, and musicians. A number of major museums and important historical sites are also located there, and events and festivals throughout the year celebrate the state's history and heritage.
Massachusetts was an early center of the Transcendentalist movement, which emphasized intuition, emotion, human individuality and a deeper connection with nature. Ralph Waldo Emerson, who was from Boston but spent much of his later life in Concord, largely created the philosophy with his 1836 work Nature, and continued to be a key figure in the movement for the remainder of his life. Emerson's friend, Henry David Thoreau, who was also involved in Transcendentalism, recorded his year spent alone in a small cabin at nearby Walden Pond in the 1854 work Walden; or, Life in the Woods.
Other famous authors and poets born or strongly associated with Massachusetts include Nathaniel Hawthorne, John Updike, Emily Dickinson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, E.E. Cummings, Sylvia Plath, and Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as "Dr. Seuss". Famous painters from Massachusetts include Winslow Homer and Norman Rockwell; many of the latter's works are on display at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge.
Massachusetts is also an important center for the performing arts. Both the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops Orchestra are based in Massachusetts. Other orchestras in Massachusetts include the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra in Barnstable and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Tanglewood, in western Massachusetts, is a music venue that is home to both the Tanglewood Music Festival and Tanglewood Jazz Festival, as well as the summer host for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Jacob's Pillow in the Berkshires hosts a number of traditional and contemporary musical and dance events.
Other performing arts and theater organizations in Massachusetts include the Boston Ballet, the Boston Lyric Opera, and the Lenox-based Shakespeare & Company. In addition to classical and folk music, Massachusetts has produced musicians and bands spanning a number of contemporary genres, such as the classic rock band Aerosmith, the New Wave band The Cars, and the alternative rock band Pixies. Film events in the state include the Boston Film Festival, the Boston International Film Festival, and a number of smaller film festivals in various cities throughout Massachusetts.
Geography
Main articles: Geography of Massachusetts and Geology of New EnglandMassachusetts is the 7th smallest state in the United States. It is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States, and has an area of 10,555 square miles (27,340 km). Several large bays distinctly shape its coast. Boston is the largest city, at the inmost point of Massachusetts Bay, and the mouth of the Charles River.
Despite its small size, Massachusetts features numerous distinctive regions: in the west, the rolling Berkshire Mountains surround the fertile Connecticut River Valley, (the latter of which contains metropolitan Springfield;) in central Massachusetts, rural hill-towns surround Worcester; while the east encompasses the urban environs of Greater Boston, the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, and the rocky shorelines of the northern coast.
The National Park Service administers a number of natural and historical sites in Massachusetts. Along with twelve national historic sites, areas, and corridors, the National Park Service also manages the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation maintains a number of parks, trails, and beaches throughout Massachusetts.
Ecology
The primary biome of inland Massachusetts is temperate deciduous forest. Although much of Massachusetts had been cleared for agriculture, leaving only traces of old growth forest in isolated pockets, secondary growth has regenerated in many rural areas as farms have been abandoned. Currently, forests cover around 62% of Massachusetts. The areas most affected by human development include the Greater Boston area in the east and the Springfield metropolitan area in the west, although the latter includes agricultural areas throughout the Connecticut River Valley. Animals that have become locally extinct over the past few centuries include the gray wolf, elk, wolverine, and eastern cougar.
A number of species are doing well despite (and in some cases because of) the increased urbanization of Massachusetts. Peregrine falcons utilize office towers in larger cities as nesting areas, and the population of coyotes, whose diet may include garbage and roadkill, has been increasing in recent decades. White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys and eastern gray squirrels are also found throughout Massachusetts. In more rural areas in the western part of Massachusetts, larger mammals such as moose and black bears have returned, largely due to reforestation following the regional decline in agriculture.
Massachusetts is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a major route for migratory waterfowl along the Atlantic coast. Lakes in central Massachusetts provide habitat for the common loon, especially Quabbin Reservoir, while a significant population of long-tailed ducks winter off Nantucket. Small offshore islands and beaches are home to roseate terns and are important breeding areas for the locally threatened piping plover.Cite error: A <ref>
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(see the help page). and the Maria Mitchell Association in Nantucket includes several observatories, museums, and an aquarium. Historically themed museums and sites such as the Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Springfield, Boston's Freedom Trail and nearby Minute Man National Historical Park, both of which preserve a number of sites important during the American Revolution, the Lowell National Historical Park, which focuses on some of the earliest mills and canals of the industrial revolution in the US, the Black Heritage Trail in Boston, which includes important African-American and abolitionist sites in Boston, and the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park all showcase various periods of Massachusetts's history.
Plimoth Plantation and Old Sturbridge Village are two open-air or "living" museums in Massachusetts, recreating life as it was in the 17th and early 19th centuries, respectively. Boston's annual St. Patrick's Day parade and "Harborfest", a week-long Fourth of July celebration featuring a fireworks display and concert by the Boston Pops as well as a turnaround cruise in Boston Harbor by the USS Constitution, are popular events. The New England Summer Nationals, an auto show in Worcester, draws tens of thousands of attendees every year.
Media
See also: List of television stations in Massachusetts, List of newspapers in Massachusetts, and List of radio stations in MassachusettsThere are two major television media markets located in Massachusetts. The Boston/Manchester market is the fifth largest in the United States. All major networks are represented. The other market surrounds the Springfield area. WGBH-TV in Boston is a major public television station and produces national programs such as Nova, Frontline, and American Experience.
The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Springfield Republican and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette are Massachusetts's largest daily newspapers. In addition, there are many community dailies and weeklies. There are a number of major AM and FM stations which serve Massachusetts, along with many more regional and community-based stations. Some colleges and universities also operate campus television and radio stations, and print their own newspapers.
Health
See also: List of hospitals in Massachusetts, Massachusetts health care reform, and Governorship of Mitt Romney § Health careMassachusetts generally ranks highly among states in most health and disease prevention categories. In 2009, the United Health Foundation ranked the state as third healthiest overall.Cite error: A <ref>
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Massachusetts also has a relatively large population of Portuguese descent. Many of the earliest Portuguese-speaking immigrants came from the Azores in the 19th century to work in the whaling industry in cities like New Bedford. Later, further waves of Portuguese arrived, this time often finding work in the textile mills. Lowell is home to the second-largest Cambodian (Khmer) community in the nation. The Wampanoag tribe maintains reservations at Aquinnah on Martha's Vineyard, at Grafton, and at Mashpee on Cape Cod, while the Nipmuck maintain two state-recognized reservations in the central part of the state. While Massachusetts had avoided many of the more violent forms of racial strife seen elsewhere in the US, examples such as the successful electoral showings of the nativist (mainly anti-Catholic) Know Nothings in the 1850s, the controversial Sacco and Vanzetti executions in the 1920s, and Boston's opposition to desegregation busing in the 1970s show that the ethnic history of Massachusetts was not completely harmonious.
Languages
The most common form of American English spoken in Massachusetts, other than General American English, are the New England accent and the Boston accent.
Language | Percentage of population (as of 2010) |
---|---|
Spanish | 7.50% |
Portuguese | 2.97% |
Chinese (including Cantonese and Mandarin) | 1.59% |
French | 1.11% |
French Creole | 0.89% |
Italian | 0.72% |
Russian | 0.62% |
Vietnamese | 0.58% |
Greek | 0.41% |
Arabic and Cambodian (including Mon-Khmer) (tied) | 0.37% |
External links
- The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Template:Dmoz
- Massachusetts Historical Society
- Massachusetts State Guide from the Library of Congress
- Energy Profile for Massachusetts- Economic, environmental, and energy data
- USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Geological Survey
- Maps of Massachusetts
- 1837 descriptions of Massachusetts cities, towns, mountains, lakes, and rivers, from Hayward's New England Gazetteer.
- Massachusetts State Symbols
- Miscellaneous Massachusetts Facts
- Massachusetts State Facts from USDA
- Massachusetts Constitution and Laws
- Massachusetts Tourism Board
- Maritime History of Massachusetts, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary
- Atlases of Massachusetts. 1871-Walling&Gray, 1891-Walker, 1892-Mass., 1904-Walker. Large Images at Salemdeeds.
- [REDACTED] Geographic data related to Massachusetts at OpenStreetMap
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- ] Brown et al. sfn error: no target: CITEREFBrownTager_suppliers_without_changing_utility_companies._Though_most_residential_customers_remain_with_incumbent_generators,_most_of_the_4.3_billion_kilowatt-hours_consumed_in_the_state_in_July_2011_were_generated_competitively._In_2011,_Massachusetts_was_ranked_as_the_most_energy_efficient_state_in_America.____==Transportation==_See_also:_Category:Transportation_in_Massachusetts_[[File:MBTA_services_sampling_excluding_MBTA_Boat.jpg|thumb|250px|The_Massachusetts_Bay_Transportation_Authority,_serving_Greater_Boston]]_Massachusetts_has_10_regional_metropolitan_planning_organizations_and_three_non-metropolitan_planning_organizations_covering_the_remainder_of_the_state;_statewide_planning_is_handled_by_the_Massachusetts_Department_of_Transportation.__===Rail_service===_Amtrak_operates_inter-city_rail,_including_the_high-speed_Acela_service_to_cities_such_as_Providence,_New_Haven,_New_York_City,_and_Washington,_DC.__===Regional_services===_The_Massachusetts_Bay_Transportation_Authority_(MBTA)_operates_publi (help)
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